The Calcutta High Court instructed the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) on Wednesday to decide on a request seeking the cancellation of a change in the timing of the upcoming class 10 examination. Justice Biswajit Basu’s bench also requested the board to provide its decision by Thursday, the next hearing date.

The class 10 exam schedule for February was altered by two hours without a specified reason, moving the start time to 9.45 am from the usual 11.45 am. A teacher filed a petition challenging the January 18 notification, citing inconvenience for lakhs of students across the state.

The petitioner highlighted the potential impact on examinees, with the exams scheduled to begin on February 2. The court questioned the rationale behind the timing change and learned that a decision on a January 19 representation to the board president, seeking the reversal of the schedule change, is pending.

The state’s counsel argued that several other boards start class 10 exams at 10 am, and district magistrates have been instructed to arrange special facilities for students. The board clarified that the first 15 minutes would be dedicated to reading questions, and students could begin writing answers from 10 am.

Justice Basu expressed concern for students, particularly those from remote areas who have to travel long distances to examination centers, emphasizing the court’s focus on student convenience. The exams are conducted at schools different from the students’ institutions.

Source: PTI

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