Kochi: To secure CBSE exams

The CBSE has brought in several new measures to ensure that this year’s Class X and Class XII examinations pass off smoothly. The instructions and restrictions, which include NEET-like frisking,  have never been tried. Some instructions are to school authorities as well. DC takes a look at them

KOCHI: In the light of the leak of the Class XII economics question paper and widespread speculations about Class X mathematics question paper last year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)  has set unprecedented security arrangements for this year's board exams.

CBSE chair Anita Karwal explained to school principals across the country through a video conferencing its details to ensure they follow the security instructions.

The board will conduct Class X and XII exams 2019 from February 15 starting with vocational subjects while major exams begin in March. More than 31 lakh students are taking the board exams this year, and the CBSE's important instructions mainly relate to admit cards, timings and what to bring and what not to and who should enter the campus. There are instructions for the parents too.

It is compulsory for regular students to wear the school uniform, and those who appear without it will not be allowed to take the exam. They should carry school ID along with the admit card, carrying the signatures of student, principal and parents.

Students are directed to get their admit cards signed by parents in a separate column provided on the admit card, one copy of which will be kept at the school.
If a student fails to do so, they will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. Apart from this, they should make sure that the admit card should have the required stamp.

No student will be allowed to enter the exam centre after 10 am at any cost. To get the entry, they must reach the centre on time. They can carry a pen and necessary stationery only in a transparent bag, besides the school identity card and CBSE admit card. Those with diabetes are allowed to carry snacks.

Students should keep in mind that written material, mobile phones, smart watches etc. are not allowed inside. Even the invigilators will not be allowed to take mobile phones.

All centres have been asked to provide wall clocks as students will only be allowed to take their stationery inside. Entire exam centre will be sanitised, and no unauthorised person will be allowed inside the exam centre.

It means these schools will not be able to hold classes for other students or any other activity on the day. Principals cannot interact with media and school management officials cannot enter the school on the day.

Instead of one invigilator in a hall, there will be two this time, and the number of students in a room has gone to 24 from 20. They will be frisked before entering the hall as in exams like NEET and students should wear dresses permitting this. Anyone involved in coaching should not be given exam duty.

The school authorities should be in touch with the local authorities to avoid traffic blocks. Students should be advised to stay away from social media to insulate them from rumours. They can use only blue ballpoint or gel pen. The principal will be the centre's superintendent.

Kerala CBSE School Management Association president T. P. M. Ibrahim Khan welcomed these initiatives and said: "Any measure to remove flaws in exams is welcome. It should have come much earlier."