CHENNAI: As class X results are out, students entering Plus One this year will be the first batch in Tamil Nadu to take three board exams in a row.
There has been a mixed response to the state education department introducing board exams for class XI from the coming academic year. While educationists have welcomed it as schools can no more skip Class XI portions to start Class XII early, students and parents on the other hand opined that this might increase the burden.
Many students feel that this, though a burden, would make them more serious and boost their confidence. “Class XI board exam will help us in practicing better for entrance tests like NEET, JEE and other exams. It will actually train us for these exams,” said Samreen Ayesha a student.
Some are also excited to be the first batch for class XI board exam. “I am excited and also a bit nervous. But, I have already cleared class X exam, so I can handle class XI well. However, class XI is always a bit tough than class X. Maths and Chemistry will be tough and we will also have a new syllabus and it will be a challenge,” said K Saishreya, another student. She also added that 50 per cent weightage for both plus 1 and plus 2 given in colleges is an advantage.
Echoing a similar view, A Aarthi, another student said “By making class XI board exam, every portion of the syllabus will be taught and plus 1 syllabus is very much required in Engineering. This will also help us in NEET.”
Some parents are happy and feel that teaching class XI syllabus is necessary as it is the basic for engineering. “In some schools even if the students are not passing they were not detained earlier. Most of the private schools would skip the plus 1 syllabus and start teaching plus 2 syllabus. Hence, I welcome this move by the government,” said R Kumar.
However, some others argue that it would be a huge burden on the students to go through consecutive three board exams. “It would be a torture for students to appear for class XI board exam,” said M Narayanswami, a parent. G Venkatesan another parent, said “Students will have to relax and not be burdened with studies only.”
According to S Arumainathan, President of Tamil Nadu Students Parents Welfare Association, this would only create pressure on students. “May be certain schools are not teaching the syllabus. But, board exam is not the solution,” he said.
However, educationist Prince Gajendra Babu welcomed the move. If a student fails in Plus 1, then he can write the arrear and nobody can be detained. The second benefit is schools would be compelled to teach full syllabus. “Had the government supervision earlier been effective, there would not have been any need this plus 1 public exam,” he said.
Boon or burden?
Many students feel that going through three consecutive board exams will be a burden, but it would certainly make them more serious about studies and boost their confidence