Confusion over HSC exam prevails; Maharashtra says decision in 2 days

Students at Dadar in April demanding that board exams be held online. File pic

The confusion over the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination seems to be a never-ending one. Even though a decision on it was expected by the end of this month, there is still no clarity on whether the exam would be cancelled or postponed further.

After the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination was cancelled, HSC exam was postponed and it was mentioned that some clarity would be provided regarding the same by May end. However, the state government's education department is yet to take a decision.

The confusion

"Usually by June, HSC results are declared, but we are still waiting to know whether it will be held. It was initially postponed to April-May. However, after the second wave hit the state, the HSC exam was postponed further stating that some clarity would be provided by May end. But it seems the government has forgotten about it," shared Suraj Mhatre, a parent of an HSC candidate from Dahisar.

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Adding to this, Manisha Wagh, another parent, said, "If the SSC exam has been cancelled, why keep the HSC candidates hanging? They too are under tremendous mental stress. There is also complete uncertainty about their future right now, and yet there is no clarity from the state or board."

"With no clarity on the HSC exam, there is complete uncertainty regarding other competitive entrance exams too. SSC students do not have to sit for entrance tests, as their exam scores is the sole deciding factor for Std XI admissions. Most HSC students appear for such exams for further admissions and yet there is no clarity," said Riyansh Shah, a student.

Decision on May 25?

Meanwhile, Central Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal held a meeting with education ministers of all states to discuss the matter. "The meeting was extremely fruitful as we received immensely valuable suggestions. I have requested state governments to send me their detailed suggestions by May 25. I am confident that we will be able to arrive at an informed, collaborative decision regarding the Std XII board exams and remove the uncertainty in students' and parents' minds by informing them of our final decision at the earliest," tweeted Pokhriyal.

Meanwhile, the state's education department too is likely to take a decision on the same within the next two days. "Decision on the HSC exam will be taken in two days," shared an official from the department post the meeting with Dr. Pokhriyal.