Maharashtra Class 10 And 12 Board Exams Unlikely To Be Held Before May 2021, Says Varsha Gaikwad

The Maharashtra Class 10th and Class 12th board exams are unlikely to be conducted before May 2021 owing to the coronavirus situation in the state, according to Varsha Gaikwad, the Minister for School Education.

Speaking to reporters, the School Education Minister said, "The current situation of coronavirus is likely to last for a longer period. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will not be able to conduct the exams of Class X and XII before," as reported in Hindustan Times

"We have discussed the issue of completion of syllabus and holding of exams.
I have also discussed the issue of how much curriculum can be omitted so that teachers can complete the remaining part. We will have to cut at least 25 per cent of the curriculum," Gaikwad added.

The School Education Minister further stated that Maharashtra is planning to open schools and colleges from Class 9 to Class 12 immediately post Diwali in order prevent further delay in board exams and the next academic session.

Confirming the same to Hindustan Times, Varsha Gaikwad said, "Our department is planning to open schools immediately after Diwali for classes 9 to 12. The classes will be conducted either in two sessions or on alternate days, so as to maintain social distancing amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The students from these classes will be able to manage the pandemic protocol and there will not be any fear of the spread of coronavirus. We are planning to hold board exams for classes 10 and 12 in May and it is possible only if we start schools immediately after Diwali."

"We will begin with older students from class 9 and above in the first phase. For students from lower classes, online classes will continue as usual. The final decision about opening of schools will be taken by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. We do not want to shut down schools again after their opening because of the spread of the virus as it happened in some other states like Andhra Pradesh and Delhi," the Minister fruther stated.

The Maharashtra government is likely to issue SOP for functioning of schools and colleges assessing the Covid-19 situation across the state.