Will the Class 12 Board Exams of 2021 be Cancelled Due to the Pandemic?

The decision of whether to cancel the Class 12 board exams of 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic is a complex one. It involves a careful assessment of the safety and security of students and their families against the backdrop of a rapidly spreading virus. Let's delve into the arguments for and against cancelling these examinations.

Arguments for Cancelling the Exams

Precautionary Measures for Public Health

Firstly, the government has starkly advised that a third wave of the pandemic is imminent, and thus, it is crucial to take every possible precaution to protect public health. The central government guidelines released on May 20, 2021, warn about the high likelihood of COVID-19 spreading through aerosols to people who are even 10 feet apart. This makes it virtually impossible to maintain the required social distancing in examination halls, posing significant risks to the students and staff.

Furthermore, many students have tragically lost their parents to the virus, adding an emotional and psychological burden to the exam scenario. The loss of a loved one is already a deeply traumatic experience, and such an environment could exacerbate their suffering.

Health Risks and Academic Performance

The current surge in COVID-19 cases indicates that the second wave hasn't been fully contained. Conducting the exams under these conditions might seem like pouring fuel on a fire. The health risks associated with in-person exams are substantial, and the potential for a further spread of the virus makes this option less viable.

Online exams and internal assessments have already provided a level of evaluation for students. These alternatives could offer a more practical and safe way to determine students' knowledge and skills without endangering their health or that of their families.

Arguments Against Cancelling the Exams

Impact on Academic Performance and Future Prospects

While safety is paramount, there are significant concerns about the long-term impact of cancelling the exams. Many students might suffer from learning gaps, leading to higher dropout rates. Education experts have warned that such cancellations could result in a detrimental impact on students' academic trajectories.

Moreover, students who have consistently performed well in their internal assessments but might not have excelled in previous board exams could face unfair treatment if the exams are cancelled. They might be penalized for the hard work they put in for these exams.

Importance of the Class 12 Marksheet for Higher Education and Beyond

The Class 12 marksheet holds great significance for higher education and professional pursuits. It is a critical document that determines admission to prestigious colleges and placement in the job market. As such, the consequences of not having these results could be severe, affecting not just the students but also their families and future career prospects.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

While the decision to cancel the exams is not straightforward, the current pandemic situation makes it a necessity to prioritize public health. Conducting the exams under the current circumstances would be a monumental task, and the risks involved outweigh the benefits.

However, this decision has significant repercussions for the students and their future. The government and educational institutions are continuously reassessing the situation to find the best course of action. The upcoming high-level meet on May 23, 2021, might provide further insights into the future plans for these exams.

For now, it is essential for students to stay resilient and prepared, while keeping a watchful eye on government announcements and guidelines. Education is a permanent milestone, but exams themselves are temporary, and one's learning and hard work are irreplaceable.

Asvin

EDIT 1: High-Level Meet on May 23, 2021

A meeting between CBSE and the Ministry of Education is scheduled on May 23, 2021, to discuss the conduct of board exams and competitive exams. This meeting is crucial for determining the future path of the 2021 board exams.

HOPE FOR THE BEST, PREPARE FOR THE WORST.

EDIT 2: Consolation for the 2021 12th Batch

The 2021 12th batch of students faces a difficult situation. The cancellations of the board exams add to their challenges. All the best for any alternative assessments and exams they might have to face in the future.

It is important to stay positive and hopeful for the best outcomes.

EDIT 3: Exams Announced to be Cancelled

On June 1, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the cancellation of the Class 12 board exams for 2021. This decision was made in light of the ongoing pandemic and its significant health risks.

The decision comes as a relief to students, but it also marks a significant turning point in their academic journey. While the exams are cancelled, the knowledge and skills acquired during this period remain unchallenged.