The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently released guidelines for the upcoming practical exams scheduled to take place from the first week of January. These guidelines aim to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the practical exams amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Adapting to the New Normal
With the pandemic still posing challenges, CBSE has introduced several measures to adapt to the new normal and ensure the safety of students and examiners. These guidelines take into consideration the need for social distancing, sanitization, and other precautionary measures.
Scheduling and Conducting the Exams
The practical exams will be conducted in two parts – the theory component and the practical component. The theory exams will be conducted by the respective schools, while the practical exams will be conducted by external examiners appointed by CBSE.
CBSE has advised schools to conduct the theory exams in online or offline mode as per their convenience. However, the practical exams must be conducted in offline mode only, following the guidelines provided by CBSE.
For schools located in containment zones, CBSE has allowed the option of conducting the practical exams online, with the presence of an external examiner through video conferencing.
Precautionary Measures
CBSE has emphasized the importance of following precautionary measures during the practical exams. Schools must ensure that all necessary safety protocols are in place, including:
- Maintaining social distancing among students and examiners
- Wearing face masks and gloves
- Providing hand sanitizers at the exam venue
- Regular sanitization of exam halls and equipment
CBSE has also advised schools to limit the number of students in each batch to ensure proper social distancing. The guidelines also state that students and examiners should undergo thermal screening before entering the exam venue.
Evaluation Process
The evaluation process for the practical exams will be carried out by the external examiners appointed by CBSE. These examiners will assess the students’ performance based on the guidelines provided by CBSE.
CBSE has also instructed the schools to maintain proper records of the practical exams, including the marks awarded to each student. These records should be preserved for future reference and verification.
Flexibility for Schools
CBSE has provided flexibility to schools in conducting the practical exams. Schools can choose the most suitable dates for conducting the exams within the given timeframe. They can also decide the sequence of practical exams for different subjects.
The guidelines also state that schools should provide adequate time for students to prepare for the practical exams and ensure that the exam schedule does not clash with other academic activities.
Conclusion
The release of the guidelines by CBSE for the upcoming practical exams provides much-needed clarity and direction for schools and students. These guidelines prioritize the safety of everyone involved while maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
By adhering to these guidelines and following the necessary precautionary measures, schools can ensure a smooth and successful conduct of the practical exams. Students can focus on their preparations with confidence, knowing that their safety is being prioritized.
CBSE’s proactive approach in adapting to the new normal and providing clear guidelines is commendable. It sets an example for other educational boards to follow in ensuring the continuity of education in these challenging times.
