In a heartening trend, the number of children with physical or other disabilities in the northern region appearing for class 10 and 12 exams under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2013 has increased as compared to the number in 2012.
The region comprises Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, while these special children include the visually impaired, dyslexic, hearing and speech impaired, physically challenged and spastics.
This year, in class 10, the number of such students was 3,051, as compared to last year’s 2,881. In class 12, the number went up to 2,418 this year as compared to the 1,783 in 2012.
CBSE regional officer RJ Khanderao said, “The board has made some revisions in the examination structure for special children, making it more friendly, which has motivated these students. Also, this is a sign that seeing other students working hard, these kids also demand equal education now.”
Overall, there has been a rise of 7.15% in the number of boys appearing in the class 10 boards from the region, while there is a rise of 6.06% among girls. In class 12, there is a rise of 15.59% among boys and 15.39% among girls.
“There has been a considerable increase in the number of special children sitting in the examination in the past five years. In 2009, there were approximately 1,050 students in class 10 and 1,000 students in class 12, but over the years the special children have come forward and it is a great feeling that the students are opting for the central board rather than the state boards,” said Khanderao.
{{/usCountry}}“There has been a considerable increase in the number of special children sitting in the examination in the past five years. In 2009, there were approximately 1,050 students in class 10 and 1,000 students in class 12, but over the years the special children have come forward and it is a great feeling that the students are opting for the central board rather than the state boards,” said Khanderao.
{{/usCountry}}Aasma, a visually impaired student, said, “The reason I am opting for the CBSE is because this is a central board and they have recently made the subject options flexible. Moreover, the certificate is valid in the entire country and not subject to the state only.”
Blurb: The region comprises Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, while these special children include the visually impaired, dyslexic, hearing and speech impaired, physically challenged and spastics.
Special students (physically or otherwise challenged)
Class 10 2012 2013 Rise
candidates 2,881 3,051 1.7%
Class 12
candidates 1,783 2,418 6.3%
Last 5 years
Class 10 12
2013 3,051 2,418
2012 2,881 1,783
2011 2,050 1,538
2010 1,710 1,305
2009 1,005 1,050