![Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal](http://media.assettype.com/nationwide%2F2020-12%2Fa1a2037e-625b-49e4-b72d-6aebfaf87930%2FEqkFv_iW4AIpuo9.jpg?rect=0%2C0%2C575%2C323&w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
On Thursday, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has announced that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board examinations 2021 will be held from May 4 and will conclude before June 10. The datesheet for class 10 and 12 is likely to be announced soon.
“The board exams for class 10 and 12 will begin on May 4 and conclude before June 10. The results will be announced by July 15,” Nishank said.
According to a CBSE notification, schools will be allowed to conduct practical exams/internal assessments/projects for class 12 student from March 1, 2020. The same is applicable for class 10 students.
On Wednesday, Pokhriyal said that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Board Examinations will take place offline. The Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill. In India, physical classes were disrupted as the country went into a lockdown. Keeping in mind that students are likely to lose a year, classes and other tests were held online throughout the year. However, Pokrhiyal said that the board exams are offline (likely to be in pen and paper format). The exams will convene adhering to Covid-19 protocols.
Earlier, Pokhriyal said it was impossible to conduct exams until February 2021. The minister clarified that online exams are not possible for conducting board exams since “many schools are in the rural areas”. However, Ramesh added that the exams would convene on a reduced syllabus. “30% of the syllabus has been cut and some states have also announced the same, while others are following suit. There will also be 33% more internal choices in the exam,” he said.
Emphasising the need for exams, the minister said, “We cannot allow Covid-19 impact the students and label them as Covid-era students who cleared the classes without any examination. This is will affect them when they are out seeking jobs. We have already conducted JEE and NEET exams this year. It was a few of the biggest examinations conducted amid Covid-19 pandemic.”