Schools forcing students to opt for exam cancellation

The increasing number of cancellations of Plus-Two examinations by students who have registered, points a finger at the misuse of the option. Some of the schools, it seems, are exploiting the option to ensure better performance for themselves, and segregate weak students.

 Sources in the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education said close to 9000 students have excercised the option this time around.

The option provided by DHSE, was meant as a breather for students who are unable to write the exam owing to sickness or other unavoidable circumstances. If the students fail in their attempt, they would be burdened with more papers. In case of a cancellation, the student has to appear for only six papers of Plus-Two. However, in case of a failure, a total of twelve papers of both Plus-One and Plus-Two, need to be cleared.

 Five students of an aided school here, who did not want to be named, alleged that they opted for the scheme as suggested by their teachers. But the principal and teachers of the school, when contacted by the ‘Express’, denied that they had forced the students to opt for cancellation.

“We only created an awareness of the option and left it to the students to decide. They can still appear for the exam and re-appear for the papers during the SAY exam,” they said. 

 The DHSE officials said that the number of cancellations are increasing.

“Among the 3,25,514 Plus-Two students, excluding the open school students, only 3,16,516 have registered for the examination. Around 8,998 students have opted to exercise the option. Around 5,617 students have not registered for the Plus-One examination.

“The number of students opting for cancellation is on the rise. The DHSE does not promote cancellation. It is only meant for those who are unable to attempt the exam for genuine reason.

“I am yet to ascertain the reasons and would conduct a study soon,” said Anil Kumar, Joint Director, Examinations, HSE.

Another worrying trend is that the medical certificates are being obtained as supporting documents.

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The New Indian Express
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