Govt. Withdraws Plan To Hold Public Exams For Classes 5, 8

Existing system to continue; teachers, students relieved

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In a move that brought much cheer to teachers, students and parents, the State government withdrew its decision to hold public exams for Classes 5 and 8 in March and April.

Minister for School Education K.A. Sengottaiyan said that following an announcement in September last year to hold public exams for the classes, they received several representations and suggestions from the public.

“The government has taken all this into consideration and has canceled the government order to conduct examinations for Classes 5 and 8. The existing system of exams will continue,” he said in an official statement. There will be regular annual examinations in schools at the end of the academic year, he added.

The Cabinet discussed the issue on Tuesday and the decision to cancel the exams was announced soon after.

The initial announcement in September to conduct the exams evoked sharp criticism from several quarters. Teachers, academicians, and activists said it would only increase the burden and stress of students. On Monday, the School Education Commissioner addressed these issues in a circular, asking people not to be worried about the exams.