On June 1, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put an end to weeks of speculation about the pending decision of the class XII board examination, announcing that no exams will be held this year, considering students’ safety at stake and the “uncertain scenario” due to COVID-19.
Prime Minister tweeted his reaction in agreement “Government of India has decided to cancel the class XII CBSE Board Exams. After extensive consultations, we have taken a decision that is student-friendly, one that safeguards the health as well as future of our youth.”
Government of India has decided to cancel the Class XII CBSE Board Exams. After extensive consultations, we have taken a decision that is student-friendly, one that safeguards the health as well as future of our youth. https://t.co/vzl6ahY1O2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 1, 2021
He also continued, “the health and safety of our students is of utmost importance and there will be no compromise on this aspect.”
The Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful scenario”.
Earlier today, Ramesh Pokhriyal, Union Education Minister, was admitted to a hospital in Delhi due to post-Covid complications. The authorities declared the decision after PM’s intense discussion with the concerned officials and ministers.
Union Minister of Education @DrRPNishank said that the decision on CBSE class 12th board exams was taken by Hon'ble PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji after extensive consultations with state education secretaries & state education ministers.https://t.co/zLi1mt0WFi
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) June 4, 2021
The verdict on board examinations was declared two days before the second hearing of the PIL filed in favour of the cancellation of the exams, considering the current situation in the country.
With the advent of the second and more deadly wave of COVID-19 in India, the Central Board of Secondary Education [CBSE] had earlier in May announced that the Class XII board examination for the batch of 2021 was to be postponed, and a final decision regarding the same will be declared on June 1st.
Over the past weeks, CBSE continued to contemplate various suitable alternative assessment methods, including conducting a truncated version of the examinations, which, according to sources, was a highly approved option by the majority of the states.
The decision regarding the cancellation of exams has finally ended months of anxiety and anticipation among students and their parents, given the grim COVID-19 situation throughout the country.
The compilation of the results of class 12 students will be done step by step according to a “well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner” by the CBSE, stated the PMO. The government also said that a fair chance to the students who still wish to appear for the examination would be given once the situation improves.
