We prefer board exams over school-based exams: Class X students

Kochi: Two years ago, Class X examinations were made optional by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to reduce the stress caused by "Board exams" in students. But now, the scheme seems to have only a few in the district to take it.

Last year the trend was different; many students chose to take school-based exam. However, this year, they seem to have made a U-turn towards the board exam. The CBSE schools disclose the main reason for this as being, an order issued last year by the government. The order restrained CBSE students who passed the school-based exam for Class X, from applying for Class XI via a single window admission system.

There will be no option available for CBSE students who want to study state syllabus in Class XI, unless there is an availability of seats, if the students take school-based exam.

Principal Elizabeth Abraham of Christava Mahilalayam School in Aluva said, "All our 45 students in Class X are appearing for board exams." Principal of Cochin Public School, Sathi Mohan said that more students preferred taking board exam as they feel school-based exams are difficult and tougher.

The students are given all the rights to make their own choice, the schools said. "This year has seen an increase in the number of students taking board exams as they have a wider choice. We ask students to make the choice with the help of parents," said Greets Public school principal Annamma K C. Global Public School principal Indu Panicker added,"The scales are now 50-50 with students opting for board exams."

The CBSE retold that after the data was analysed, over the last two years, there has been no difference in the results of school-based and board exams. They have planned to write to all states, asking them to consider school-based exam results for Class XI admissions in state syllabus schools as it is comparable to board exams. However, the preference will be given to their students over CBSE students who have taken school-based exams, as maintained by education department officials. General education secretary, A Shajahan said, "Only if there are vacant seats, can we admit students who have taken school-based exams."