Class 10 may have only core subjects for boards

The State government is seriously considering the option of truncating SSLC exams to hold tests only for the three major subjects — Mathematics, Science and Social Science. In such a scenario, all students would be declared pass in language papers, official sources said.

As per the original schedule, the Class 10 board exams were to be held from March 27 to April 13. However, due to the total shutdown in the wake of coronavirus cases in the State, the exams were postponed indefinitely.

Academicians, educationists and parents have been asking the School Education Department to cancel the board exams by declaring all-pass as has been done for students from Classes 1 to 9. But this was rejected by Minister KA Sengottaiyan, who pointed out that the marks that the students score in SSLC was vital while taking up various courses at the higher secondary level.

“However, with pressure mounting even from the parents to take a decision on Class 10 exams, a discussion is going on about conducting exams only for Mathematics,

Science and Social Science,” a senior official from the Directorate of School Education told DT Next on condition of anonymity.

Noting that the marks secured in these subjects are important for getting admissions even to polytechnic courses, he said, “If the exams for the three subjects are conducted, the government would declare allpass for the language subjects.” The official added that it would not be difficult to organise the exams within span four to six days, as question papers have already been printed and kept ready in the safe rooms.

“Soon after the lockdown is lifted, the Class 10 exam schedule,whether it is a shorter version or for all the subjects, will be submitted to the government to take an appropriate decision,” he said. The official added the remaining exams for Class 11 would also be conducted along with it.