Punjab schools to hold mid-term exams offline, parents fret

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, November 26

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) issued directions to district education officers (DEOs) to conduct mid-term exams for all classes from December 7-24.

While students of Classes I to VIII will be evaluated on the basis of online tests, those studying in Classes IX to XII will have to take exams in schools. The development has come at a time when the state is bracing for the second wave of Covid-19.

Sources say the reopening of government schools for classes IX-XII last week failed to evoke much response with parents still preferring online mode of education. At present, only about 10-15 per cent of students are attending physical classes.

The sources claim the department has decided to conduct exams in schools in a bid to improve attendance and prepare students for final exams to be held in March next year.

Meanwhile, teachers have expressed apprehension over the conduct of online exams for junior classes, saying a majority of students in government schools do not have access to smartphones.

When contacted, Jagtar Singh Kulria, Director, SCERT, refused to comment.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.