STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Uncertainty prevails over holding of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Assam High Madrassa (AHM) Examinations 2021 in view of the fast rise of COVID-19 positive cases in the State.
HSLC examinees and their parents have become more anxious after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday cancelled the Class X final examinations across the country in view of the second wave of the COVID-19 infections. The Class X final examinations was scheduled to be held in May, 2021.
The HSLC and AHM examinations are scheduled to be held in the State from May 11 to June 1, 2021. The Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA) conducts these examinations.
Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said unlike the CBSE's Class X final examinations the SEBA does not conduct the evaluation of HSLC and AHM examinations on the basis of internal assessment of students. Internal assessment of CBSE's class X examinees is done by respective schools on the basis of their academic performance at various stages. But such system does not exist in HSLC and AHM examinations.
"Under such circumstances it will be difficult to cancel the HSLC and AHM examinations. Let us wait and see as how the COVID-19 situation moves after the Rongali Bihu celebrations. I feel the next government at Dispur should take the decision on HSLC and AHM examinations after May 2," Sarma said.
The SEBA is all set to conduct the HSLC and AHM examinations by following the COVID-19 protocols. A record 4.4 lakh candidates will appear in the HSLC and AHM examinations this year. It is 88,000 more than last year, he added. While there were 860 centres last year, this year 878 centres have been selected for the conduct of the examinations. Along with the centres, 65 examination venues have been created to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols.