Amid COVID-19 Surge, Maharashtra Might Postpone HSC, SSC Exams

Maharashtra's Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad hinted at t the state government postponing the HSC and SSC board exams for this year due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The education department of the state is still deciding on the matter and will come up with a final decision within a week.

“I can’t say anything at this moment but, yes, a final decision will be taken this week itself. I will meet with various stakeholders and see what their views are about exams," she said while speaking to TOI.

She then added that consent from the chief minister’s office (CMO) will have to be taken if the education department decides on postponing the examinations. The education department officials are still prepping for conducting the board exams while coming up with a suitable decision.

Growing concerns among students and parents

The Maharashtra Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Senior Secondary Certificate exams (SSC) are all set to commence from April 23 and 29, 2021 respectively. However, the worsening COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra has provoked the education department to come up with a prompt decision on the matter. This has made both parents and students concerned. They are demanding that the exams be postponed till May-end due to safety reasons, as per reports.

In fact, a group of parents started an online petition on Change.org, demanding that the board exams happen online.

Varsha Gaikwad Talks About Two Different Approaches For The Exams

Meanwhile, Varsha Gaikwad came up with two different approaches for the board examinations. According to Plan 'A', SOPs like extra time, second attempt, and home centres will be followed. All the guidelines will be made clear for this. Plan 'B' reportedly involves the postponement of the exams which will have to be approved by the CMO.

The Maharashtra government is going to announce their decision regarding the examinations by Friday.