Mumbai: Need clarity on SSC, HSC exam dates, test pattern, says parents

With a 25% reduction in syllabus across classes, schools said they are unsure about the paper pattern

A few days after state education minister Varsha Gaikwad announced that state secondary certificate (SSC) and higher secondary certificate (HSC) exams are likely to be pushed to May, schools and parents have written to the department, seeking clarity on tentative dates and exam paper pattern.

A senior official from the state board said the paper pattern is unlikely to be changed. (HT File)

With a 25% reduction in syllabus across classes, schools said they are unsure about the paper pattern. “This year, learning is online and children are under tremendous pressure due to Covid-19 and the resultant lockdown. Class 10 and 12 board exams are really important as marks determine the future of these children. We are hoping the board simplifies the paper pattern this time,” said a principal of a suburban school.

A senior official from the state board said the paper pattern is unlikely to be changed. “The syllabus and paper pattern for Class 10 and 12 have undergone changes in the recent years, and it is not expected to change this year,” said the official.

Parents said they want the department to, at the very minimum, release a tentative exam schedule and a blueprint of the question papers to help students.

In early November, Gaikwad had said that exams for SSC and HSC are unlikely before May due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation conditions in Maharashtra.

However, the department and the state board are yet make the announcement official.

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