Big question marks hang over the hows and the wherefores of conducting the class XII examinations

The CBSE class XII examinations are in an avoidable muddle. Still, there is some forward movement in the last few days, from whether to conduct the exams at all to what kind of format and duration should be adopted for the examinations. As things stand, the States are choosing between two formats. One, the standard, three-hour format conducted at designated exam centres for all major subjects; marks for the minor subjects should be given on the basis of performance in the major subjects. Two, a 90-minute examination of multiple choice questions conducted in schools where the students are enrolled. Majority of the States chose the second option; Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan opted for the first. The format is the least of the worries, considering one-fifth of the questions in the current format are multiple choice questions. There are bigger unresolved aspects to consider. The “where”, for example. The CBSE prefers conducting exams at its designated centres. But they are fewer than the schools at which the examinees are enrolled. Given safe distancing, it is easier if the exams are conducted in the schools. Unless this is decided, the next issue of logistics cannot be taken up. It is about the required furniture, manpower and sanitation equipment. The “when” is equally complex. Different regions are in different stages on the pandemic curve. Some are in total lockdown, some coming out of it. After June, the monsoon begins and, till September, any two regions will always experience heavy rains.

Those students planning to go abroad this fall may not be able to do so if their exams are delayed. The “how” is most crucial. If the Governments are still undecided about the exam format, how will the CBSE get the question papers ready in time? Unless, of course, they are preparing two sets. For preparing each board paper, there is an eight-tier system. The preparations begin in January, or maybe even earlier, in the normal course of time. Setting the question papers, checking and finalising them, printing them, ferrying them to the centres, all these take time. A changed format would mean doing the entire exercise all over again. These papers will have to reach the examination centres by July; that is barely two months’ time. The “how” also means vaccinating the teachers and students, as the Governments have demanded. How is that possible? If they all are given their first doses in the next fortnight, they will have to wait three months for the second dose. Would a student, suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, declare that for fear of missing out on the exams? What happens if a student tests positive and is unable to take the exams? This is the bottom line: Parents have no issues if the exams are held in schools. Holding the exams is not an issue in urban areas, but what about the countryside where infrastructure, logistics and the

COVID-19 protocols are poorly managed? The ball is squarely in the Government’s court.