CBSE board practicals at external centers from next year?
What's the story
According to a recent Times Now report, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is preparing to conduct the 2020 board practical examinations at external centers, just like it does with theory examinations.
However, several schools have raised their concerns regarding this decision.
Currently, the Board conducts practical examinations for both Classes X and XII at the students' respective schools.
Here are the details.
Details
New changes to apply both Classes X and XII: Notice
Reportedly, these changes in the practical examinations will be applied to both the classes, X and XII.
According to the official notice, "Any school affiliated with the Board can be made as Board Examination Center for AISSCE/AISSE theory/practical examination conducted by the Board."
Moreover, the report suggests that CBSE is planning to adopt a new marking scheme for these practical examinations.
Instructions
Separate admit cards will be issued for practical examinations
The notice further said that the students will be issued a separate admit cards for the practical examinations, which they will have to carry to their respective centers.
The Board will take a final decision after receiving the details from all the affiliated schools on queries mentioned in the enclosed proforma along with the notice.
The schools have 10 days for sending the details.
Information
Class X, XII boards registration last date is July 15
The last date for registrations and changing the subjects for Class X and XII boards is July 15. CBSE has asked each school to analyze each request for subject change on various parameters and once completed, share the final list by July 21.
Concerns 1
Several schools from Kerala have raised concerns regarding the decision
Meanwhile, several CBSE schools from Kerala have expressed their concerns over the Board's proposal.
Yesterday, representatives from the management even submitted a memorandum to CBSE which stated, "A recent proposal by the board to conduct practical examination away from one's school is quite appalling."
"It may kindly be noted that the 'lab examination' is at present conducted in one's own institution," the memorandum read.
Concerns 2
Memorandum states exams already secure as external examiners conduct them
Also, students will not only face difficulties if the venue is changed from the one they are familiar with, but also "the arrangement of chemicals, equipment, brand of equipment, etc. will be quite different from the one which the students are used to."
It also stated that since it is now conducted by external examiners, the exam's "sanctity and secrecy is maintained" anyway.