Should CBSE Postpone the Board Exams Due to the Coronavirus: A Critical Analysis
India is witnessing a surge in Coronavirus cases, with the number of cases being double that of last year. This has raised significant debate among scholars, students, and educational authorities regarding the conduct of the board exams for Class 12. While some proponents argue for the postponement of these exams, others believe that conducting them is crucial for students' future and personal growth.
Student Views and Opinions
Naren K. has suggested that CBSE should reconsider the commencement of the Class 12 exams. He believes that while the number of cases has doubled, the exams play a pivotal role in steering students towards their next phase of life. Naren proposes a remote proctored exam as an alternative but acknowledges the challenge in timely implementation.
Counter arguments have been put forth by students like Divya Garg, who, in a tweet, urged the government to postpone the exams for at least a month. Garg’s perspective is that students who have diligently prepared over the year should not bear the brunt of sudden changes.
Impact on Indian Students and the Educational System
The situation has prompted a surge in petitions and social media campaigns. Over one lakh students of classes 10 and 12 have signed petitions demanding that the government either cancel the board exams or conduct them online. Both the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) have declared that they are making adequate safety arrangements for the exams.
The traditional schedule for exams has been disrupted, with practical exams originally scheduled for January and written exams to begin in February and conclude in March. However, these examinations have been rescheduled to May-June to accommodate the ongoing pandemic.
Cancellation vs. Postponement: The Debate Continues
The debate over whether the exams should be postponed or cancelled is intense. The statement from India’s leading educational boards is clear: the chances of getting the exams cancelled are close to zero. There is a distant possibility of only postponement if the daily cases of the Coronavirus continue to rise significantly. However, both options present their own set of challenges and potential risks.
Remote Proctored Exams as a Viable Alternative
One possible solution to mitigate the health risks associated with in-person exams is the implementation of remote proctored exams. This method has been successfully adopted by several other college entrance exams and could be a practical solution for CBSE. The benefits of such an exam include ensuring the integrity of the examination process, reducing the spread of the virus, and maintaining the fairness of the assessment.
However, the successful execution of a remote proctored exam would require robust infrastructure and support. This includes reliable technology, a secure online platform, and effective monitoring mechanisms. Additionally, students would need comprehensive training to ensure they can navigate the exam under a remote proctored environment.
Conclusion
The decision to postpone or cancel the CBSE board exams due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic is a complex one, involving significant ethical, logistical, and practical considerations. While conducting in-person exams poses risks to students and educators, the potential for a remote proctored exam offers a viable alternative. It is essential that the educational authorities engage with students, parents, and stakeholders to find the most effective and equitable solution.