CBSE Class XII exams: Suspense over, wait now for evaluation options

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 2

Suspense may have ended over the fate of CBSE Class XII exams, but the question over evaluation remains unanswered.

Experts say the options are limited. Meanwhile, there is also some criticism over the internal assessment aspect with some critics saying that it may lead to “inequality and incompetent students getting admission in good colleges over the meritorious ones”.

The CBSE says students will be evaluated on basis of a “well-defined objective criteria”. It has also decided that like last year, in case some students desire to take the exams, the option would be provided as and when the situation becomes conducive. 

Sources say the details are being worked out and will be shared as soon as possible. 

One option, of course, is an assessment of the academic performance of the past 3-4 years. Officials say the New Education Policy has indicators regarding internal assessment and the fact that the fate of a child cannot be decided by one exam. 

“The methodology for Class X is there. Students can be evaluated on basis of internal assessment, results of Class XII pre-board exams, and Class XI results,” they say.

There will be checks and balances to ensure that individual schools do not exaggerate their internal assessment, they add.

“There is a thought that results of Class IX and X should also be considered. However, Class XI is more aligned with the subjects a student reads in Class XII. They also need to be evaluated fairly,” said an official who did not wish to be identified.

Meanwhile, those who are not satisfied with results can always opt for board exams when the situation is conducive. Most professional institutions have admission systems based on entrance exams, it remains to be seen how institutions that admit students on basis of Class XII marks reconcile.

The sources said the majority of parents and students were against the examination and given the current “political situation”, the Narendra Modi government “had no other choice. The risk was too high”. 

Meanwhile, critics say the decision may have a long-lasting impact on the academic cycle. Anurag Gupta, co-founder of a company providing online education to Class-XII students, says the “decision may lead to inequality and incompetent students getting admission in good colleges, leaving behind the meritorious ones”.

At the same time, he also added that in such difficult times the decision “will give safeguard health and future” of children.

Class XII results-options  

• Class XII results may include marks and performance in past years.
• They may include Class X Board’ results and internal assessment of Class XI and Class XII
• They could be based on internal exams by schools in Class XII, pre-boards and practical exams 

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