Board exams not to be held in Jan, Feb; decision on dates later: Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal
In a virtual interaction with teachers across the country, Nishank also ruled out any further reduction in syllabus pointing out that CBSE had already reduced it by 30 %.
Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) exams for class X and XII will not be held in the months of January and February 2021 and a decision on dates for holding the tests will be taken later based on circumstances, Union Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said on Tuesday.
In a virtual interaction with teachers across the country, Nishank also ruled out any further reduction in syllabus pointing out that CBSE had already reduced it by 30 %.
During the interaction a teacher asked the minister about the plans related to exams – whether they would be postponed or had the schedule been chalked out.
Nishank said that the government had taken every decision during the Covid-19 period keeping the interest of the students in mind.
“In January practical exams would begin and normally the exams would be conducted from mid-February to mid-March. Based on the present conditions, I can say holding exams would not be possible in the months of January or February. That we have decided. However, after this period we will hold consultations and take a final decision,” the Union minister said.
The minister said that it has been decided that exams will not be held in January or February and a decision will be taken later.
Responding to a question on curtailing the syllabus and providing more choice of questions in exams, Nishank said the CBSE had already reduced the syllabus by 30 %. He said even state boards like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh had also reduced the syllabus.
He also said that there was sufficient choice to answer questions.
On a question about holding online exams, Nishank said there was a section which did not have sufficient access to digital means. He said that the government was trying to bridge the digital divide but it continued to be a challenge.
Get latest news on Education, Bihar Board 12th Result 2024 Live along with Board Exam, Competitive Exam and Exam Result at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News