Karnataka private schools’ association has written to the state’s primary and secondary education minister, S Suresh Kumar for postponing the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam for class 10 students.

The class 10 board exams for state board students conducted by the state-run Karnataka Secondary Education Examinations Board is scheduled to begin on June 21. 

Even as several state board exams have been postponed across the country in the wake of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, students in Karnataka wait anxiously with no clarity regarding the exams.

The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) has written to the education minister recommending that the exams be postponed by at least one or two months keeping in mind the safety of students.

D Shashi Kumar, general secretary, KAMS which has a membership of 2,000 private schools statewide said in the letter, “So far SSLC examination dates have not been deferred despite the devastation caused by the second wave of COVID-19. The entire education system has collapsed. Revision activities and other means of preparation for SSLC has suffered as most schools are facing a shortage of working teachers due to an increase in Covid Positive cases and fear factor.”

KAMS opines that SSLC examination, however, has to be conducted eventually as it is a measuring tool for students to determine their future academic choice and the stream they wish to study and build a career. Class 10 students can opt for science, commerce, or arts streams in pre-university colleges basis their scores in SSLC as one of the determining factors.

“Students should also be permitted to take the supplementary exam, considering it as a fresh attempt as a special consideration on account of the extraordinary situation in Karnataka. School managements, teachers, parents, and students are in confusion due to the pathetic situation. Postponement for another month will help buy time for more micro-planning and a successful public exam in a safe environment as compared to the present situation,” the letter reads. 

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