BELAGAVI: The state government’s decision to conduct SSLC exams and scrapping the II PUC test has puzzled many and drawn flak from experts.
Education minister Suresh Kumar told STOI the decision was taken after deliberations with all stakeholders.
“This may not be the best solution, but it’s the most suitable and taken in the interest of students,” he said.
Sources in the education department said that, unlike the CBSE system which has periodic assessment, the state education system doesn’t have this process.
Gradation without exams is possible in CBSE but not here.
A source close to S Suresh Kumar said the department had readied the exam timetables for II PUC and SSLC but there was rethinking after Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled the Class 12 exams.
Suresh Kumar met former education ministers, cabinet colleagues, council members, DDPIs and academicians.
A majority expressed the need for some assessment for SSLC to replace regular tests and it wouldn’t be right to promote children without it.
The source added that the minister felt SSLC students may not be able to make informed choices while opting for courses at the PUC level if there was no exam-based promotion.
PUC science students go through competitive tests like CET, JEE or NEET for the next level of education.
They, as well as commerce and arts students, are capable of informed decisions.
A few days ago, the minister met the principal secretary, commissioner, SSLC and PUC board directors, among others.
Officials said there was no alternative to SSLC exams.
Since the state follows a no-detention policy and Class 9 exams were not conducted in 2020, there is no base for gradation.
Hence, it was decided to conduct the SSLC exams with multiple choice questions instead of written tests.
He directed the board to frame simple questions due to lack of learning caused by the pandemic.
He was also reportedly worried for government school children who would have to take entrance tests of private PU colleges.