Following the Centre's decision to extend the lockdown till May 31, the Kerala government has decided to postpone the remaining of the state SSLC and Plus 2 exams to June. Similarly, the state cabinet has also decided to defer the dates for university exams. While the revised dates have not been announced yet, media reports suggest that the exams might be conducted in June first week.
Malayala Manorama reported that the decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram. The examinations were initially scheduled to be completed in March end but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.
Last week, Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Kerala, had announced the schedule for pending exams of Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC). As per the schedule, SSLC exams were to be held between 26 and 28 May, while Class 12 exams were to be held from 26 to 30 May. However, the state's decision to conduct the exams amid the lockdown had invited widespread criticism from the opposition as well as parents.
Citing the plight of students stranded in other states due to the lockdown, the opposition had sought clarity on how the state would ensure these students would be able to attend the exams. Also, there was no clarity on how the exams would be conducted for those studying in the Gulf region and Lakshadweep.
More than 4.2 lakh candidates have applied for Kerala SSLC 2020 examination.
Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has on Monday announced that it will be conducting the pending Class 10 and Class 12 board examination between 1 to 15 July.
