There is a broad consensus among states about conducting Class 12 board exams and an “informed, collaborative” decision will be taken by June 1, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said on Sunday.
Expressing commitment towards the safety and security of children, the education minister called it the “first priority of the government” speaking at the national consultation chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the conduct of Class XII and professional courses entrance exams.
According to the official statement, “broad consensus was there” but states have been asked to “further examine the matter and send feedback in writing by May 25”.
A majority of the states favoured holding the exams and said they would study the proposals mooted by the CBSE. One of the suggestions is said to be a short-duration exam of 90 minutes instead of three hours with objective-type questions and an option of three subjects.
Today’s discussions were held around two themes—board exams for Class XII by the Central Board of Secondary Education and other state boards and the all-India entrance examinations for various higher education institutions and professional courses.
The CBSE had proposed two options to the Education Ministry for evaluation of Class 12 students — conducting exams in the existing format only for around 20 major subjects or conducting one-and-half hour objective type exams of major subjects for students in their own schools.
However, several states such as Kerala, Assam, Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Meghalaya have urged the Central government to vaccinate teachers and students on priority to ensure their safety during their time at the test centre.
