Only 519 students appear for Class 12 board re-exam

Though about 32,000 candidates were absent for the last time exams were held, a senior official from the Directorate of School Education said that as many 846 students, who have downloaded hall tickets, should have appeared. “Only 519 candidates, including private students, appeared for the exams today,” he said.

“Of the total students, about 60 per cent were private candidates,” he said, adding that students were allowed to write exams in their respective schools or closest centres since there was no public transport.

On precautionary measures taken, the official pointed out that all students wore facemasks before entering the exam centres.

“Headmasters made arrangements for waiting rooms in the exam centres where students could continue their preparation for the exam till they were allowed to enter the exam halls,” he said.

According to the official, students were taken straight to waiting rooms as soon as they came and were provided hand sanitiser.

“They (students) were not allowed to linger outside the waiting rooms,” the official said, adding that a total of 290 exam centres were established across the State and in Chennai alone 16 exam centres were set up.

He said that separate transport facilities for the students and teachers were ensured by chief education officers concerned, duly taking all the precautionary measures and following social distancing norms. “The vehicles were disinfected after each trip,” he added.

The official said that the results will be announced in August and the mark sheets could also be downloaded soon after the results were declared.