The Pause period: When education can do nothing but wait for things to improve

As per the notification, the Class 10 board examinations that were to be held from May 4 to June 7 were cancelled. Whereas, the Class 12 board examinations, which were going to be conducted between May 4 and June 14, have been postponed. The situation for Class 12 board exams will be reviewed on June 1.

The Class 10 board examination results will be prepared based on an objective criterion. In the new notification released on May 1, it was stated that the students will be assessed out of 100 marks for each subject, 20 marks for internals assessment, which have already been allotted by most of the schools, and 80 marks will be based on the marks scored by the candidate in different tests/exams conducted by the school during the year. 

The Class 10 board examination result will be prepared by a result committee formed by the particular school that will consist of the Principal and seven teachers. Out of the seven teachers, five teachers will be from the school whereas there will be two teachers from neighboring schools. 

The Ministry of Education released a press note stating that “Any candidate of Class 10, who is not satisfied with the marks allocated to him/her on the basis of objective criterion, will be given an opportunity to sit in an exam as and when the conditions are conducive to hold the exams.” 

The evaluation criteria are a major concern for students of Class 10 as well as their guardians. On being asked, most of the students showcased their anxiousness and fear of the evaluation being done on the basis of internal assessment and previous examinations. “We had all our focus on the board exam due to which many of us haven’t scored well in the internal assessments,” they said.

According to Ms. Ruchi Seth, Principal  Allenhouse Public School Kanpur, the safety of the students matters most in these unprecedented times. “It is sad for the students, as they have put in hard work in preparing for the exam that has now been cancelled but we have to ensure that our people are safe and sound now,” she said.  The section head at Ryan International School, Sanpada, appreciates the decision of the board. “It was unfortunate that the exams had to be cancelled but it was for the larger good so I feel that it is an appropriate decision,” she said.

Agreeing with the teachers is writer Kumar Vimalendu Singh, also an educationist. “The Class 10 board examinations are just a stage that the students will cross, it is similar to being promoted from one class to another and therefore it seems to be a fair decision.” He also highlighted that this can be a nice chance to revamp the pattern of assessment, post pandemic. When asked about the postponement of the Class 12 board examinations he said, “The students must be aware that the Class 12 board exams will be conducted, as it is a crucial stage where they have to go into different universities based on the cut-off list, although the students should take this time as an opportunity to prepare better.” He said the two-months delay might affect the academic calendar but it was manageable, considering the situation.

The grim scenario and the waiting and uncertainty, however, might take a toll on the mental well-being of the students, some secondary teachers felt. “There is a lot of uncertainty and it does impact the mental health of the students and for that matter, it also affects learning. The time gap may affect the students’ performance,” they said. 

The students also seemed quite anxious and wearied of the wait. “It is tireless to wait for a month watching what is going on around in the world.” They felt it was not a conducive environment to prepare for an exam. However, they expressed consensus with the government’s decision, aware of the need for such moves.

Parents of the students, though sympathetic to the situation and the need for curbs, were also worried about the career prospects of their children. 

They understand the turn of events is such that there is no go but to wait, take it with patience, use the time to sharpen the already sharpened skills, and hope that all will turn out for the best.