Parents at more schools ask for online exam option

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Kolkata: Calcutta Boys’ may have allowed their classes IX and XI students to choose between online and offline modes to appear for annual exams, trouble is brewing at other schools, where the authorities are insisting on on-campus tests.

Some guardians met the Calcutta Girls’ School principal on Monday, requesting her to grant the online option for classes IX and XI annual exams. “We do not want to risk the health of the students. We want the school authorities to provide an option for online exams. We have been assured that the school will take a call on Saturday and inform us about the decision,” said the father of a Class-IX student.

School principal Basanti Biswas could not be reached over the phone. She did not respond to messages from TOI.

Some guardians of a school in Beniapukur also alleged that the authorities were refusing to offer the online option for classes IX and XI annual exams. “We are being pressured to agree to send our children for in-person exams, failing which the school may refuse to promote the students concerned. This is unfair because both the state and Centre in their SOP have said parents can’t be forced to send their wards to school during the pandemic,” a parent said.

Several CBSE schools have started offline annual exams. “Some parents were against sending their children to school, but we counselled them to adapt to the new normal. But those kids who will not take the physical tests now, will not be penalized. We have the option of holding remedial exams later. For now, they will be promoted,” said the principal of a CBSE school on EM Bypass.