Class X students could soon be saved from examination blues as the NCERT has mooted a proposal to do away with tests for those wanting to study further.
The NCERT plans to ask examination boards to conduct final tests for students of Class XII with the option of them clearing the examination papers over a period of two years.
It also plans to ask them to do away with the pass and fail system of assessment for all tests till Class XII. The focus group on examination reforms, constituted as part of the National Curriculum Framework 2005, has made these short-term and long-term recommendations to reduce stress and anxiety among students.
"In the long run, we want to abolish the pass or fail system. Students will be awarded grades and there will be ample scope for them to improve subsequently," Avtar Singh, member secretary of the focus group, told PTI.
One of the group's key suggestions was making the Class X examination optional for those who want to continue higher studies.
"Only those who want to take up some job or discontinue studies can appear for the Class X exam," he said.
The final testing of students will be conducted in Class XII in a more flexible manner with a provision for them to clear the papers in parts.
"A student will have the flexibility to appear for papers in parts over two years. There will be more flexibility in conducting examinations as the board will hold the tests three or four times a year. This is something the Kerala board introduced last year," Singh said.
