CBSE proposes short duration examinations for Class 12
New Delhi : CBSE will be proposing a short duration examination of 90 minutes, instead of regular 180 minutes, for class 12 boards; it has been notified that the states can have their own call on the decision.
A key meeting of ministers, headed by Rajnath Singh, was held on Monday to discuss the matter after a series of states objected to holding the examination amid current coronavirus situation, putting lives of students at risk.
After the meeting, the states have been asked to submit their feedback by May 25 and the Centre will "examine the suggestions received from the various State Governments this week and convey further information in this regard to the students by or before the 1st of June 2021".
The CBSE suggested two options and a flexible approach to conduct the examination, which have been postponed due to the second wave of coronavirus in the nation.
Under the first option, the exams can be conducted within a period of three months -- one month of pre-exam activities and two months for the exams and declaration of results. Another 30 days will be allowed for the compartment exams. Exams will be held only for major subjects and marks for minor subjects will be allotted on basis of performance in the major subjects.
August could be a likely month for holding these exams, and the whole process is likely to go on till end September, the board said.
In the second option, 90-minute exams - instead of the usual three-hour version - will be held in 19 major subjects. The students have to appear in one language and three elective subjects only. Based on their performance in these subjects, the result of fifth and the sixth subjects, as the case may be, will be assessed. The exams will be held at designated and limited number of exam centres.
The students can take the exams at their own schools. "As the question papers will be delivered in electronic format to the centres, these exams do not need elaborate logistics and can be deployed and conducted in a flexible and responsive manner," the CBSE said in their suggestions.
In case any student fails to appear for the examination due to coronavirus-related illness, he/she will be given another opportunity to appear for the examination.
The first phase exams can begin around July 15 and the second phase in the first week of August, the board said. The results can be declared by September 5.
"There is flexibility in this approach as the exam will be conducted in two phases, will be at own schools and will be of a shorter duration," the board said.
