No exams for Std IX, XI students of Maharashtra board

Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Students of Std IX and Std XI will be promoted this year considering the massive surge in COVID -19 cases in Maharashtra, announced the government on Wednesday. There was a major demand for this, especially due to confusion around assessments for both these classes when schools are yet closed due to the pandemic.

The school education department said students from Std IX and Std XI of schools affiliated to the state board will move to the next classes without exams. The state had earlier announced the promotion of state board students up to Std VIII. Now, all eyes are set to what decision is taken regarding SSC and HSC exams.

In a video message in the evening, State Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said, "It has been a difficult year, but we have ensured that academics continue either through online or offline mode. But considering the current situations of Covid in Maharashtra, we have decided to promote children from Std IX and Std XI to next classes." The department will soon announce a plan to continue academics for these children as these are important years considering the board examinations years following after, she added.

Sources said the department's core focus has been on board exams. While a section of students and their representatives are rooting for the exams to go online, the state education minister has also received opposing suggestions.

Many students organisations, teachers and educationists have suggested that offline exams are crucial considering the demographics of students across Maharashtra.

Relief for students

Mumbai, Thane total
Std IX - 2,89,886
Std XI - 2,25,516

Maharashtra total
Std IX - 17,97,655
Std XI - 13,22,386