Class XII Exams Cancelled: What’s the Road Ahead for Students?

posted on Jun 30, 2021

In December 2019, the world witnessed the advent of a novel virus, COVID-19, which spread like wildfire. In a matter of months, it took the shape of a pandemic, causing havoc and death wherever it went! In an attempt to control the situation, Governments across the world took action by calling for country-wide lockdowns. But even with these drastic measures to control the situation, we faced several challenges. Lives were lost. Businesses went under debts. Even the strongest economies took severe hits.

In 2020, while there was a lot of stress on various socio-economic issues, one of the more critical matters was lost in the mix. Children across the world were locked in their homes, and schools and colleges got temporarily closed. The education landscape then resorted to online classes with the hope of overcoming these uncertain times.

And now, with the second wave hitting India harder than before, the Centre took the tough decision to cancel the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. The Central Board of Secondary Education, or CBSE, was the first board to implement this life-altering decision. All other boards took the same stance in the following days. One can only imagine how this matter must have been deliberated, considering the vast diversity of students in India. While some may have rejoiced initially, almost all of them were scared and uncertain about the path ahead. So today, we, at Gurukul The School, one of the top CBSE schools in Ghaziabad, are here to shed light on some of the main issues surrounding this decision and how to help the kids keep calm amid all sorts of worries.

Hindrance in assessment – Verbal and written examinations in a school set-up have been the mode of testing the knowledge and understanding of the students. How students answer the question paper was a mode of assessing them and subsequently marking them. In the absence of this physical examination process, the current education system is not reasonably equipped to carry out the assessments for higher classes like 10th and 12th.

No equitable solution – The sheer number of students and the diverse infrastructure of the schools that are a part of the educational system in India make it an unfathomable task to come up with an equitable solution, especially with the constraints at hand. Online education requires a set of things like good internet connectivity, access to laptops or desktop computers, and a suitable set-up to take tests. While urban cities in the country have good access to most of these things, the scenario in rural is grim.

The Domino Effect – While the students of Class 10 may have another chance to appear for a Board examination, the students of Class 12 are left in a state of confusion. Without an examination, even if they receive a pass certificate, how do they apply to undergraduate colleges? How would the institutes of higher education shortlist the candidates? How will a new assessment model be created and implemented in this short period to ensure the session begins on time? This a classic example of the Domino Effect.

In short, there is some confusion, a little disappointment, and a lot of fear over what lies ahead. So, how to ensure that kids remain calm and composed even amidst all this chaos? Read on.

• Help them come to terms with the rapidly changing scenario. The more they talk about, the better.
• Help them utilize their free time constructively by learning a new skill or language. Idle minds breed devasting thoughts.
• Teach them how to take control of whatever aspects of life they can.
• Encourage them to exercise regularly. Exercising releases happiness hormones – dopamine and serotonin, and will help them stay positive.

At Gurukul The School, the top CBSE school in Ghaziabad, we believe there is a strong need than ever before for the teachers and parents to work hand-in-hand to help kids alleviate their fears of the uncertain future. While we are working round the clock to ensure that whatever time they spend with us virtually in the current times is made fun as well as academically productive, we urge you all to keep the environment at home happy and positive. The need is to understand that we are faced with such a situation for the very first time, and as such, all of us are in the same boat. The educational institutions, as well as the Government, are trying their best to come up with solutions that make things smooth to sail for everyone. So, keep calm and hope for the best!