As per the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) the syllabus for class X and XII board examination is most likely to be reduced further. Also, there is a possibility that the board examination dates may shift 45-60 days to make-up for the academics.
Along with CBSE and CISCE many other state education boards like Gujarat and Telangana have already reduced the academic load for the 2021 Class X and XII exams by up to 30%. However, with the schools remaining closed and classes held only via online/distance mode, officials of both the Boards say there could be a need to further reduce the syllabus. A senior CBSE official said no decision has been taken by the Board yet, but added, “Post 30% reduction in July, there has been no normal classes and if the situation continues like this, there is likelihood of further reduction of the syllabus for the Board exams. The Board will take a call soon whether the exams are to be conducted based on 70% or 50% of the syllabus.”
Gerry Arathoon, chief executive, CISCE, said “Given the present scenario, there is a possibility of further reduction of the syllabus. Though, one cannot say right now to what extent it could be slashed for the 2021 exams.”
“The standards for online classes vary from school to school or from urban to semi-urban and rural areas and therefore we are expecting some physical classes to happen before the exams. We will have to wait for it to happen and review the situation. Therefore, in all likelihood the Board exams may have to be shifted to April or beyond to accommodate classroom teaching and completion of the syllabus. Schools are also asking us to defer the dates as well as reduce the syllabus by 50%,” said the CBSE official. “Another challenge would be to conduct the exams with Covid-19 protocol and social distancing,” he added.
