Parents weary as CBSE cancels +2 exams

Expatriate parents in the Sultanate have expressed their concern over the future of their children as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Plus 2 examinations were cancelled on Tuesday in the wake of the looming uncertainty over the pandemic.

However, some Plus 2 students when contacted said they heaved a sigh of relief at the news as they have already been exhausted after several months of preparations for the exams. On April 14 this year, the Plus 2 exams were postponed while class 10 exams were cancelled.

The Central body on Tuesday announced after a meeting with the Prime Minister that the aforesaid exams stand cancelled. “It was a period of uncertainty as the exams stood postponed earlier. We were on the lookout for the announcements from the CBSE about the exams, and finally here it is. I need to plan my son’s future education as the exam is cancelled,” Sana Saleem, parent of an ISM student, told the Observer. A statement issued after a high level meeting which decided the cancellation, said, “Looking at the present situation of the pandemic and school closures, and also taking into account the safety and well-being of the students, it has been decided to cancel the Board Exams for Class 12.

“As a commerce student, it’s good to cancel as it’s very difficult to conduct exam in India, even though Oman’s Covid numbers are not so high,” adds Lijihas Hussain, parent of a student. “In other way it’s high time to stop such examination procedure which gives a lot of pressure to students. These days we have lots of other ways of assessments to check students’ capabilities, strength and weaknesses. So it’s high time to change our examination system as well,” adds Lijihas.

“My son already got admission to a leading college in Bangaluru and entrance test and interview were over in February. Fees were paid and he is attending hybrid classes while those who want physical attendance can do so,” adds Lijihas. Teachers said several students had planned to pursue their higher studies in India after the exams and they would find it difficult to do so at least for some time. “This decision can have adverse effects on different children. There are many children who were planning to continue their studies in India after getting their Board results. So those students will obviously face difficulties,” principal of an Indian school said.

​​​​​​​However, the news has also brought an element of joy to many a parent as well as the students. “The news of boards exams getting cancelled has indeed brought a relief from stress that had been building up for more than a year,” said a parent. “I’m very happy about the news as the past few months have been so exhausting, not having a clear information about anything,” said Aasim Laisee Lijihas, a Plus 2 student.