The recently announced schedule for the annual examinations and comprehensive assessment tests for classes 1 to 9 by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has raised concerns among educators and students. Shikshan Kranti Sanghatana, led by Sudhir Ghagas, state president, has formally requested a revision of the schedule, citing potential inconveniences for both students and teachers.

As per the new directive, all schools affiliated with the state board, regardless of their management or medium of instruction, must conduct annual exams simultaneously from April 8 to April 25.

As a result, teachers are expected to complete result compilation within just five days and announce the results by May 1.

“This decision has sparked concerns among educators and parents, who argue that it disrupts academic planning and puts undue pressure on students and teachers alike”, Ghagas said. Such a hastily done result compilation could lead to errors in marksheets, attendance sheets, and other records, as it is a complex process that requires more time than the five-day window period allotted.

The exam schedule is also disrupting the annual planning of schools. “As per the plan, annual exams were supposed to be completed by April 15, with the remaining time used for class 10 extra hours and result preparation. However, the new schedule threatens to disrupt this well-established plan, causing confusion and operational challenges in schools across the state”, he added

Further, the new timetable reduces the traditional vacation period, which allows students rest and recuperation. Ghagas stated that this reduction in vacation time could lead to increased stress and depression among students.

Additionally, the new schedule requires students in classes 5 and 8 to solve two question papers for certain subjects, which Ghagas has criticized. He called for the cancellation of this condition, requesting that these students be exempt from taking multiple exams for the specific subjects.

In light of these concerns, Sanghatana has formally requested Rahul Rekhavar, director, SCERT. They urge that both the periodic assessment test and the annual examination be completed before April 15, 2025, to eliminate the confusion and difficulties arising across the state.