UAE: CBSE students can seek centre change for board exams

Class X and class XII students under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) can change their board exam centres this year, principals in the UAE have confirmed.

The CBSE said it has taken the decision in view of the disruption caused by Covid-19, which has forced students to relocate to different cities and countries under compelling situations.

Candidates can get more details regarding the entire process from the official website of the CBSE at cbse.gov.in.

The CBSE has issued a letter to all the principals and heads of schools stating: “Because of Covid-19 pandemic, students of classes 10, 12, along with their families, have shifted to some other city or country and therefore, they are unable to appear in the practical/ theory exam from the school/ exam centre where the students are registered for the boards examination.”

CBSE-affiliated head teachers in the UAE confirmed that some students in their schools have applied for change in centre ahead of their board exams.

Zubair Ahmad, head of operations, Springdales School Dubai, said: “The CBSE has made many changes in their policies and procedures at the operational and other levels because of the pandemic. It has made strategic consideration in alignment with different chapters of the CBSE around the world. Due to the Covid-19 situation, many students have been stuck in India or wish to go back to their home country due to the financial difficulties that they and their families may be facing here now. Therefore, the CBSE has allowed this ‘convenient change’ of centre as per a student’s request both for practical and theory exams. Needless to say, it is subject to certain conditions that will be reviewed by the schools and the institutions will in turn upload the same on the website. Such requests are to be made along with all supporting documents.”

He added: The results of such candidates will be declared from the regional office where the students had requested his/her centre to be changed.”

CBSE students of both board classes can request a change for their exam centre till March 25 to their respective schools.

The schools will upload their requests latest by March 31.

Educationists said that with the board exams deferred by over a month to May this year, instead of the usual February-March timeframe, many candidates have applied for a change in their examination centre.

George James, supervisor of senior section, GEMS Our Own Indian School, said: “There are many students and parents whose visas have expired. But they decided to stay on for some more time just for the final exams. But when it was announced that the exams would begin in May this year, these parents decided to move to India as many of them were facing financial difficulties. Many other parents are unable to support their families here due to the economic disruption caused by Covid-19.”

He added: “We have nine such students in our school. One student even took a visit visa to do practical in his home school here. He even booked a hotel here and later got Covid-19. Therefore, these are extremely challenging and uncertain situations for many. Such candidates, who are trapped in trying situations can get in touch with their schools and the institutions will upload their requests on the CBSE website for centre change, as this is aimed at easing things for them.”

However, students must note that the choice of city from where they would like to appear for the exams should be chosen carefully as no alteration will be allowed once the request is submitted by the school.

Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-principal of Credence High School, said: “We welcome this initiative taken by the CBSE. It is a very proactive and student-friendly board and this step will give immense relief to the students who have moved to another city/town/country due to this pandemic. Now, the students who have shifted along with their families to a different city/hometown can choose a centre of their convenience to give both the practical and theory board exams by sending a request to their respective schools.”

nandini@khaleejtimes.com