The CBSE board examination at a centre in Ranchi, Jharkhand, faced a one-hour delay on Saturday due to an alleged shortage of question papers, as per reports from some parents. However, centre authorities clarified that the delay resulted from technical issues, which were swiftly resolved. Students were provided with extra time to complete their exams.
The delay caused anxiety and confusion among students appearing for the Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE exams. Parents, concerned about the disruption, questioned the preparedness and organization of the examination process.
CBSE Exams Begin in Jharkhand with Over 31,000 Students
The CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams commenced in Jharkhand on February 10, 2024, with more than 31,000 students enrolled from the Ranchi and Khunti zones. The Class 10 exams began with subjects such as English (Communicative) and English (Language & Literature). These exams were scheduled from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
At the affected Ranchi exam centre, students faced an unexpected delay, with some claiming that question papers were not distributed on time. A parent, frustrated by the situation, remarked:
“The exam couldn’t start as per schedule because some students didn’t receive their question papers. Such mismanagement during board exams is unacceptable and creates unnecessary stress.”
Centre Officials Deny Question Paper Shortage, Cite Technical Issues
Despite parental concerns, the exam centre head dismissed claims of a question paper shortage, attributing the delay to technical problems. He assured that the CBSE quickly intervened, and additional time was granted to students to ensure they weren’t disadvantaged.
“There was no shortage of question papers. The delay occurred due to a technical issue, which was resolved efficiently. The CBSE ensured that all students received the necessary time to complete their exams,” the centre head stated.
CBSE Authorities Remain Unreachable for Official Response
Repeated efforts to contact CBSE authorities for an official statement went unanswered. Paramjeet Kaur, CBSE coordinator and principal of Sarla Birla School, was also unavailable for comment.
While the CBSE swiftly addressed the issue, the incident has raised broader concerns about exam administration and preparedness at examination centres.
Concerns Over Exam Management and Student Stress
This incident has once again highlighted challenges in exam administration, particularly regarding the distribution of question papers and logistical coordination. Given the high stakes of board exams, even minor delays can cause significant distress for students.
Education experts and parents are calling for better coordination and preventive measures to ensure such disruptions do not impact students’ performance. An education expert commented:
“Board exams require seamless coordination between CBSE officials, exam centres, and invigilators. Even a minor disruption can cause anxiety among students and affect their overall performance. Steps should be taken to prevent such issues in the future.”
How Exam Centres Can Prevent Future Delays
To avoid such delays in the future, education experts recommend implementing the following measures:
1. Improved Coordination Between CBSE and Exam Centres
- A centralized tracking system should be in place to monitor the distribution of question papers across all exam centres.
- Pre-exam meetings should be conducted between CBSE officials and centre coordinators to ensure logistical readiness.
2. Pre-Exam Quality Checks at Examination Centres
- Exam centres should conduct pre-exam verification to confirm that all materials, including question papers, answer sheets, and invigilator instructions, are in place.
- Technical preparedness should be tested in advance to prevent last-minute disruptions.
3. Digital Tracking System for Exam Logistics
- CBSE could introduce a digital system to monitor real-time exam logistics, ensuring that question papers reach centres on time.
- If issues arise, the system should trigger an alert, allowing immediate intervention.
4. Effective Communication Protocols for Crisis Management
- Exam centres should have a direct helpline with CBSE authorities to handle logistical challenges promptly.
- A standardized protocol should be in place for handling unexpected issues, ensuring that students experience minimal disruption.
Parents and Students Demand Accountability
Parents have urged the CBSE to improve its preparedness and avoid mismanagement in future board exams. They emphasized that students already face immense pressure, and such disruptions add to their stress levels.
A concerned parent stated:
“CBSE should take strict measures to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Board exams are crucial for students, and even small delays can affect their concentration and performance.”
Students, too, expressed frustration over the delay, with some reporting that it took them time to regain focus after the disruption.
CBSE Expected to Review the Incident
Given the impact on students, CBSE is likely to review the incident and take corrective measures. While the Ranchi exam centre managed to resolve the delay, the incident underscores the importance of efficient exam management to avoid unnecessary stress for students.
The CBSE board exams will continue as per the pre-scheduled timetable, and students appearing for upcoming papers are advised to arrive at their exam centres well in advance to avoid any unforeseen issues.
Conclusion
The CBSE exam delay in Ranchi due to an alleged shortage of question papers has sparked concerns regarding exam administration and student preparedness. While centre authorities denied any shortage, attributing the delay to technical issues, the incident has once again highlighted the need for improved coordination and crisis management at exam centres.
With board exams being a crucial milestone, it is imperative that CBSE and examination centres work together to ensure a smooth and disruption-free examination process. The education board is expected to review this incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
