Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations for CBSE in Delhi, answered queries from students, parents and teachers about practical exams, Covid-19 situation and how CBSE will adapt during theory papers from across India and abroad too.

Question - Covid-19 cases are rising rapidly in some states and government is closing down schools as precaution. How will practical exams be conducted?

*Answer *- There is absolutely no need to worry because we have given schools a lot of flexibility here. In a normal year, practicals would have to be wrapped up in January itself. But now these practical exams can be conducted till June, so there is no immediate need for schools to worry about.

* Question *- In Kuwait, schools are closed till September. How will practical and theory exams be conducted here?

* Answer *- We will definitely take into account all these things and work towards a solution as CBSE has been conducting board exams internationally for a long time. Through our country’s embassy there, we will coordinate with the Kuwait authorities and I am sure we will get permission to conduct the exams.

* Question * - Students have been taught practicals through online simulations, as suggested by CBSE. So why can’t we conduct practical exams online?

* Answer *- We would not want any of our students to face questions about credibility of their evaluation. Else for a long time, they will face a remark that somehow they had it easier. We want their assessments to be done in a uniform manner. Even if students have been taught online, they will still be able to perform the practicals in physical mode. Schools can call students a day before the practical exam and conduct a practice session in physical mode.

* Question *- What happens if lockdown is announced in any city during exam period?

* Answer*- Though I am very hopeful that by the time we approach exam time, situation will be much better. Still even if that happens, CBSE will find a solution. Let the problem first knock on our doors, we will deal with it then.

* Question *- Maharashtra government today declared ‘home centre’ for upcoming X & XII exam. Will CBSE consider a similar policy?

* Answer *- 

CBSE conducts board exams across the country and abroad in over 25,000 schools. There are too many variables involved and at all times our priority is to ensure that the exam is conducted fairly. So, this is not something which will be possible for us. But at the same time, we have increased number of centres, so students have less distance to travel.

* Question *- What happens if student turns Covid-19 positive. Will he be able to appear for exams?

* Answer *- For this, we will need to create awareness among parents. Every parent must keep tabs on their child’s health and inform school if he/she is Covid-19 positive. And they (parents) must be rest assured that no students of ours will suffer academically because of the pandemic. We will ensure that such children get a second chance later.

*Question * - Too less gap between Sanskrit and Math exams. Is there a possibility of CBSE datesheet (timetable) being changed? 

* Answer * - We have to conduct exams for almost 240 papers. So, the datesheet has to be set not only by looking at the subjects but also the combination of subjects taken by students. The datesheet has been prepared by keeping everything in mind.

* Question *- Will teachers be allowed to evaluate papers from home?

* Answer * - We are planning for things just as if it was a normal year. So, we will follow the same protocol that was in place during non-Covid times.

* Question * - Students haven't been able to learn in physical classrooms, are less prepared. What will be the level of question papers?

* Answer * - Paper is always easy for a student who prepares for it. There is still enough time left to revise for different subjects. The question paper is set using established norms, so for us the concept of easy or tough does not arise.

* Question * - How the boards will be conducted in May if the cases rise drastically till that time? I ask this because in March only we are observing a surge in the number of cases throughout the country.

* Answer * - We are confident that cases will subside by the time exams begin. Still, we will figure out a solution if the situation continues to be bad.

* Question * - When you prepare question paper, are most of the questions taken from NCERT books , or external books?

* Answer * - The questions are set by experts who use their subject knowledge to frame them. The entire syllabi is what is mentioned in the NCERT books. So definitely there is no truth in the matter than private publisher books are used for question paper setting.

* Question * - I’m a class 12 student. If I test positive during the exams, will I be able to give the remaining exams?

* Answer * - If any student is unable to appear for the exam due to health reasons, he/she will be given another chance. If you are unwell, inform your school in writing.

* Question * - Some students are currently back in their hometown, while their school is at a different location.

* Answer *- At CBSE we have provided them the option of appearing at a different city or country. So all the details will be available with the school, and students have to apply through their respective alma mater only. Also, these applications have to be submitted by March 25.

* Question * - Will the evaluation be lenient this time?

* Answer * - Evaluation is always done as per the marking scheme. So, we don’t give instructions to teachers about tough or easy.

* Question * - Do students have to wear uniform during board exam?

* Answer * - That’s the practice. We ask students to ensure they are in their school uniform while appearing for exams.

Thanks