As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast uncertainty over every aspect of life, one pressing question on the minds of millions of students and parents in India is: Will the 2021 board exams be cancelled? With daily case counts rising during the second wave, the government has been under immense pressure to take a firm decision that balances public health concerns with academic integrity. In this article, we dive deep into the ongoing debate, the current status of government deliberations, expert analyses, and possible alternatives being considered by education authorities.
The Context: A Pandemic-Altered Academic Landscape
Since early 2020, the education sector in India has been in flux. The national lockdown led to school closures and a sudden shift to online learning—an option not equally accessible to all. This digital divide further widened the academic gap between urban and rural students, and between the affluent and underprivileged.
By early 2021, the situation had only partially improved. Though some classes resumed in-person in certain states, the second wave of COVID-19 surged across the country by April, once again throwing academic schedules into disarray. With lakhs of students due to appear for their Class 10 and 12 board exams under CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards, the central question remained: is it safe or even feasible to conduct offline exams?
What the Government Has Said So Far
Initially, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had scheduled Class 10 and 12 exams to begin in May 2021. However, as the situation deteriorated, the Ministry of Education announced in mid-April that the Class 10 board exams would be cancelled, and Class 12 board exams would be postponed, with a decision to be reviewed in June.
Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal stated, “We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of students while also maintaining academic standards. We will take a decision that is in the best interest of all stakeholders.”
Several state boards followed suit—either postponing exams, proposing alternative assessment criteria, or suggesting virtual exams. Yet, the ambiguity persists, especially for Class 12 students, whose performance is critical for university admissions.
Voices from the Ground: Students and Parents Speak Out
For students, the uncertainty has been deeply unsettling. A Class 12 student from Delhi remarked, “I’ve been studying non-stop for the last year, but now I don’t even know if the exams will happen. The stress is unbearable.”
Many parents have echoed this anxiety. The Parents Association of India conducted an online petition requesting the government to cancel all physical board exams, citing safety risks and psychological strain on teenagers already coping with a historic crisis.
Social media, too, has been flooded with the hashtag #CancelBoardExams2021, gaining massive traction. Prominent figures like Sonu Sood and several education influencers have joined the chorus, advocating for student-friendly decisions.
Expert Opinions: To Cancel or Not to Cancel?
Education experts are divided. Dr. Rina Kapoor, an education policy analyst, believes that cancelling board exams may be necessary from a public health standpoint. “We cannot gamble with lives. But there must be a standardized alternative—perhaps internal assessments or a moderated grading system—to ensure fairness,” she notes.
On the other hand, former CBSE chairperson Ashok Ganguly warns against completely scrapping exams. “Board exams serve as a benchmark for higher education. We need a hybrid approach—maybe online proctored exams or optional offline tests for those willing to appear.”
Some educators also propose conducting exams in a staggered manner, region by region, depending on local COVID-19 positivity rates. However, logistical feasibility remains a concern, especially in rural areas with limited digital access.
Alternative Assessment Models Under Consideration
With cancellation increasingly likely, what could replace the traditional board exams? Here are the main options being considered:
- Internal Assessments: Using students’ performance in pre-board exams, projects, and internal tests as the basis for final grading. This, however, raises concerns about uniformity and credibility.
- Averaged Scores: Following the model used in 2020, boards may calculate final results based on a combination of previous academic records and teacher evaluations.
- Online Exams: While technologically feasible for urban students, this option risks excluding millions without access to devices or stable internet.
- Entrance Exams-Based Admission: Some universities might shift focus from board results to independent entrance exams. However, this could increase pressure and create new inequalities.
Each method has its own pros and cons, and education boards are under immense pressure to design a framework that is both equitable and executable.
International Precedents and Policy Lessons
Globally, several countries have faced similar dilemmas. The UK replaced its GCSE and A-Level exams with teacher-predicted grades in 2020, leading to public outcry and eventual government intervention. In contrast, countries like South Korea held in-person exams with strict safety protocols.
India can draw from these examples. Experts recommend setting up a national-level task force involving educators, epidemiologists, psychologists, and student representatives to arrive at a consensus that is both scientifically sound and socially fair.
The Road Ahead
As of now, the final decision regarding the Class 12 board exams remains pending, with a government announcement expected by June. Most signs indicate a likelihood of cancellation or a shift to alternative assessments.
In the meantime, students are advised to stay focused, continue preparing for competitive exams, and remain mentally resilient. Schools have also been asked to support students with counseling and academic guidance, regardless of the decision taken.
Conclusion: Balancing Health, Fairness, and Future
The debate over cancelling the 2021 board exams underscores deeper questions about our education system’s preparedness for crisis. While the health and well-being of students must remain the top priority, it’s equally vital to ensure that academic evaluations are fair, consistent, and meaningful.
Whether the exams are cancelled or conducted in a new format, the moment offers an opportunity to rethink how we assess learning, prioritize student welfare, and embrace digital transformation. For now, India waits with bated breath for a decision that could shape the futures of millions.
