Maharashtra: Can board exams happen amid rising COVID-19 cases and increased restrictions?

Students prepare before the SSC exam at Don Bosco High School, Matunga in 2020. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The rise in COVID-19 cases and the increased restrictions on movement in different parts of the state have once again stressed school students, especially those appearing for the board exams. Also stressed are their parents. Discussions have also begun in the education sector on alternative modes of assessment for the exams.

Students outside St. Sebastian Gaon High School at Chirabazaar in Girgaon on the first day of the SSC exam in 2019. Pic/Bipin Kokate

While parents are raising concerns about the safety of children, schools are pointing out that it is unfair to evaluate everyone on a single parameter when teaching, learning is not on par everywhere this year.

‘Let us hold the exams'
"In Mumbai and surrounding districts schools have not reopened yet. In Pune they had reopened and are now closing again. In rural areas, however, schools have begun from November. Everywhere the teaching, learning process has been different while dealing with challenges of online access. Due to this, at every school the syllabus completion is different. Why can't we be allowed to conduct exams for our students depending on what we have taught them?" questioned Prashant Redij, spokesperson of Mumbai School Principals' Association. According to him, answer sheets can be assessed by moderators if the board fears malpractice, but at least the exam will be safe and fair. Adding to this, the principal of another school said, "Now when the situation is getting serious, it is important that the government sheds some light on its planning regarding the board examination. With no clarity, the stress is increasing, especially when contradictory information is coming from the media regarding increased cases."

‘Government must clarify'
While the teaching community has begun to brainstorm on alternative modes of assessment for the board exams, parents are expressing different concerns. "With no clarity from the government, some schools are forcing children to come to the school for exams. Several such instances have come to light in the recent past. Schools are also seen calling children from std IX. This is really putting children in danger," said Anubha Shrivastava, from India Wide Parents' Association, adding that the board exams are fast approaching and the government should not wait till the last moment for clarity.

Apr 29
When the SSC exam is scheduled