CBSE Board Exams 2021 Should be Held Online Instead of Getting Cancelled or Postponed, But Is it Possible?

CBSE board exams 2021 are likely to be postponed further if various media reports are to be believed. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for the Central Board of Secondary Education to conduct offline examinations. However, several students have been questioning the board as to why CBSE board exams 2021 are not being held online in like it was all year? Sanjay Padode, president, Vijaybhoomi University and chairman, Center for Development and Education in a conversation with Dataquest, provided deep insights into this issue.

Why aren't CBSE board exams 2021 being conducted online instead of being canceled or postponed?

Sanjay Padode: A large section of the education sector in India is resistant to changes. A majority of the stakeholders believe that online examination can easily be compromised, giving ways to cheating and lesser control shown by the students.

However, one of the biggest challenges that the sector faces today is the inadequate infrastructure required to conduct online examinations seamlessly. It is imperative for the country to invest in stable IT infrastructure, good computer labs, power back up and connectivity across geographies. The other important aspect to keep in mind is access to a device by a student and the internet across the length and breadth of the country. Currently, online examinations are non-inclusive in nature.

What are some of the challenges associated with online examination implementation on a scale as large as CBSE board exams 2021?

Sanjay Padode: The biggest challenge is the requirement of proper computers/tablets with stable internet connectivity and power for conducting online examinations. Online examinations would also require students, teachers and school staff to be equally adept at using computers and tablets.

What are the benefits of conducting examinations online?

Sanjay Padode: Online exams unlike the traditional exams can be delivered at the comfort of home and hence disruptions, such as those caused by lockdowns could be avoided. The cost of conducting online exams is far lower than the conventional exams. Unlike conventional exams, online exams can be conducted wherever the candidate is without the need to spend on travel and accommodation. The quick, accurate, and transparent evaluation of online exam results is probably the biggest benefit when compared to resource and time-consuming execution of offline examinations which incidentally prone to human errors and corrupt practices as well.