Result delay possibly as CBSE, ICSE postpone exams, discontinue evaluation
Nagpur: CBSE and ICSE results are likely to delay as both boards postponed all exams until March 31 as a preventive measure against coronavirus infection. CBSE made the announcement late on Wednesday evening while on Thursday morning ICSE released its comment. SSC (Std X) is actually the only board exam in Maharashtra that has not yet been called off.
Many CBSE and ICSE schools announced their teacher’s vacation until March 31 as well.
The decision of CBSE was prompted by a letter from the school education department at the center under the ministry of HRD, which spoke of taking effective proactive measures to curb Covid-19’s spread. The letter addressed to CBSE, National Open Schooling Center, National Testing Authority, AICTE, NCTE, and UGC discussed how to achieve a balance between academics and safety in health.
Amit Khare, Secretary, HRD ministry, wrote, “While it is important to maintain the academic schedule and calendar, the safety and protection of the students who appear in different exams are equally important.”
Following on the letter from Khare, CBSE Secretary Anurag Tripathi released a statement saying that not only board exams but also assessment work must be stopped until March 31. Tripathi said the new timetable for assessment research would commence from April 1, unless the board told otherwise.
ICSE’s chief executive and secretary, Gerry Arathoon, also released a statement stating that the council (as referred to in the official language) “decided to postpone all ICSE and ISC exams scheduled between March 19-31 in the interest and well-being of students and the teaching community.”
Both boards themselves will reveal their updated timetable around March 31.
JEE Main postponed Nagpur: The National Testing Agency (NTA) postponed the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE-Main) due to a potential dates conflict with rescheduled CBSE board reviews to be held in April. Instead of preventive measures against coronavirus, CBSE board exams were put on hold until 31 March.
The JEE Mains examinations were scheduled for 5,7,9 and 11 April. The admit cards to be issued Friday will be issued now after March 31.
The letter from HRD secretary Amit Khare claimed that JEE Main will require examiners to travel to different cities, and the dates might conflict with rescheduled CBSE and other board examinations. JEE Main will also be rescheduled and a new date will be declared on March 31 after the situation has been re-assessed.
Local coaching classes have expressed excitement over the news that it would be of interest to students. Rajnikant Bondre, Sneha Classes director said “This is a great relief for students because they were under a lot of stress asking what would happen with their test. This government transparency has soothed nerves and also given them extra time to prepare for the all-important test.
