Board Exams 2021: CISCE writes to CMs for partial reopening of 10 and 12 classes from January

The Executive Director and Council of the Secretary for School Certification Examinations of India (CISCE) have written to all senior ministers to allow the schools to partially reopen from January especially for students in classes 10 and 12 to appear for board examinations.

The council also wrote to the Chief Elections Commissioner of India to share the election calendar of the states where elections are to be held in April and May so that the date sheet for the board examinations can be finalized accordingly.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools have been closed from March 2020 till date. However, despite the closure, most of our schools have continued with the teaching and learning process in an online, offline or blended manner, as indicated by a survey conducted by CISCE on the status of online teaching, assessment and completion of syllabus," said Gerry Arathoon, Chief Executive of CISCE.

"For the final run-up to the examinations, CISCE has requested the chief ministers of all state governments and UTs to allow schools to reopen partially, specifically for the students of classes 10 and 12 from January 2021," he said.

"With the students physically attending school, this time will be utilised for practical work, project work, SUPW work and for doubt clearing lessons. This will be extremely beneficial to the students who will now get the time to interact directly with their teachers," he further added.

Arathoon asserted that if allowed to reopen, schools will be advised to follow state government directives regarding COVID-19 and adhere to safety guidelines and Health Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"CISCE has also requested the Chief Election Commissioner of India to share the election dates of the states that are due to have their elections in April - May next year," he said.

"This will enable CISCE to finalise the schedules for ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) year 2021 examinations and to ensure that there is no clash of dates, interruption of the examinations or any inconvenience that may be faced by the candidates taking these examinations," he added.

Schools across the country were closed in March to contain the spread of COVID-19 and partially reopened in some states as of October 15. However, some states decided to keep them closed in light of an increase in infections.

The board had to cancel its pending exams in March because of an increase in COVID-19 cases, and the result was declared based on an alternative evaluation scheme.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) must also decide on the timing of the board exams next year. However, the board has ruled out taking exams online and has clarified that board exams will be in pen and paper mode only.