CBSE, CISCE 12th Exam 2021: SC Rejects Plea Challenging Cancellation Of Class 12 Exam, Upholds Class 12 Evaluation Criterion

CBSE, CISCE 12th Exam 2021: A division bench led by Justices AM Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari said that the bench will not interfere in the class 12 evaluation scheme announced by the CBSE and CISCE as it takes the concern of the students into account.

Supreme Court. (File Photo)

CBSE, CISCE 12th Exam 2021: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday rejected the plea challenging the cancellation of the CBSE and CISCE class 12 board examination. The apex court also dismissed all the challenges against the CBSE and CISCE Class 12 Evaluation Criterion 2021.

A division bench led by Justices AM Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari said that the bench will not interfere in the class 12 evaluation scheme announced by the CBSE and CISCE as it takes the concern of the students into account. "We were told that the expert committee after much deliberation decided to cancel the examination. We are not in favor of changing it," the court said. 

While dismissing the plea, the court said, "We have heard all sides. It was argued that the result of internal assessment and written examination should be declared simultaneously. We have heard the reply of the Attorney General on this matter. We do not agree with this suggestion. The policy made by the board is correct. Due to this, there will be no uncertainty among the students." 

The Uttar Pradesh Parents Association, Lucknow, had moved to the Supreme Court seeking its direction against the CBSE class 12 assessment criterion 2021. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the association, said, "The result of internal assessment and written examination should be released together. Maybe the written exam will be conducted in September or October 2021. It would be wrong for those students, who choose the option to appear for the examination. It will be best to get the written exam conducted in July."

To this, the apex court said that the chance to appear in the physical examination should be provided to the students, in the beginning, then accordingly, those students who opt to appear in the examination should not be internally evaluated by the board. "Students are getting better options. If not satisfied with the evaluation, then they can opt for the written test," Attorney General said. 

Anshul Gupta, a teacher by profession, opposed the cancellation of the class 12 board examination. He said that if competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE can be conducted physically, then why should not the board exams be held in the same way. 

"Each board is different and logistical needs are different. Each exam is an independent exam. Board has to take that decision," the court said. 

Earlier on Thursday, June 17, 2021, the apex court had accepted the CBSE class 12 evaluation criterion 2021 submitted by the central government. According to the criterion, students of class 12 will be evaluated based on the 30:30:40 formula adopted by the CBSE Board. As per the formula, 30% of weightage will be given to the final result of class 10th and 11th examination, and 40% weightage will be provided to the pre-board exam of class 12th.

(With inputs from Nipun Sehgal, ABP News)