'Class 12 Students More Mature, Independent & Fit Compared To Class 10' : Maharashtra Govt On Reasons To Hold HSC Exams While Cancelling SSC

The Maharashtra Government has said that HSC (Class 12) and SSC (Class 10) exams are not comparable, as Class 12 students would be more matured, independent, socially aware, bodily and mentally fit as compared to students of Std 10.

Moreover, the HSC examination is a more important milestone in the education of students as their careers depend on it, the State said in an affidavit to the Bombay High Court, justifying its decision to keep HSC examinations in abeyance but cancel SSC examinations altogether.

The State filed the affidavit in response to a PIL by activist Dhananjay Kulkarni challenging its decision to deny 16 lakh SSC students a board examination.

The vacation bench of the Bombay High Court had asked the State to explain why the SSC board examination was cancelled but not HSC. Moreover, the evaluation process for SSC students, and the State devised plan to ensure uniformity in the evaluation across schools and boards for FYJC, college admissions.

"In the name of pandemic, we can't spoil career and future of our children. The Framers of education policy should know that in the State. This isn't acceptable at all" the bench had earlier observed.

In its affidavit, the State contends, comparing the SSC and HSC examinations is like comparing an apple with cheese, only because the two are edible.

"The Stage at which these two examinations are to be undertaken by the students in their overall career, the consequences and effects of undergoing these examinations are just not comparable. Apart from these examinations themselves, there are certain differences also between the students themselves of 10th and 12th standard... There would not be any debate that 12th standard [student] would be more matured, independent, socially aware, bodily and mentally fit as compared to students of Std 10."

The state government's affidavit said Class 12 exams are postponed presently, and a final decision on it would be taken after the Centre takes a national level decision on the same. Moreover, the court cannot hold that SSC exams cannot be cancelled because no decision has been taken on HSC exams.

Evaluation Process Out

The State has said that it has adopted an alternative evaluation process for Std 10 students in a Government Resolution dated May 28, 2021.

As per this evaluation process, all the students will be marked out of 100 for each subject.

1. Written evaluation conducted throughout the year in 10th Standard – 30 marks.
2. Oral/practical examination or internal assessment conducted throughout the year in – 20 marks
3. Final subject wise result in Std 9- 50 marks.

Enough overall seats, CET for competitive students

The affidavit states that even after online admissions every year, barring a few premium colleges, there are ample seats vacant. Therefore, it is anticipated that even after conducting a CET (common entrance test) for those students who are interested, more than enough seats will be vacant for those who are just evaluated based on the new formula.

"Therefore, students can be assured that they will get admission in junior college, perhaps not of their choice but definitely other colleges."

The affidavit adds that with its decision to cancel the 10th examination, the SSC, ICSE, and CBSE boards are all on the same platform.

Moreover, the CET is not comparable with SSC Board Examination as it will be conducted only for a few hours and on a single day for interested students.

Online Exams not an option at this time

Ruling out the possibility of an online examination, the State said it consulted with several tech giants like Tata Consultancy Services, Google and Educational Initiatives. However, they were of the "opinion" that holding an online examination in a high-stakes exam, such as std 10 and 12, is not advisable in a short duration of time.

"While the School Education department has plans to work closely with tech firms to chart a roadmap… expert opinion was not in favour of holding online examinations. Considering that several students from the rural areas and belonging to pooper households still do not have access to online devices.. infrastructural upgrades needed won't be ready in a short span.

Children getting infected, Covid-19's third wave

According to the Medical Education Department of the State over 5,71, 371 children have been infected with Covid-19 in Maharashtra till now, of which over 4 lakh were between the age of 11-20.

The state government said they cancelled SSC exams for this year amid the coronavirus outbreak after considering the safety of students, teachers, parents and other stakeholders.

The affidavit said holding SSC exams, for which around 16 lakh students appear each year, was a "mammoth exercise" also involving teachers and parents and the police and transport system.

"The decision to cancel 10th board exams was taken by the state government after giving primary consideration not only to the safety and welfare but also the lives of students, examiners, teaching and non-teaching staff and many others who would be involved in conducting them," the affidavit said.

It also said there was a threat of a third wave of the pandemic which medical experts say may affect children between 12 and 18 years of age.

The HC is expected to hear the matter on June 1.