In a recent development, the Karnataka High Court has given the green light for board examinations to take place for Classes 5, 8, and 9, starting from March 25. This decision overturns a previous ruling that had put the Karnataka government's exam plans on hold. The court has also instructed the government to kick off the exams from where they left off. Notably, exams for Class 11 had already been conducted during the legal proceedings.
Moreover, the High Court has mandated the state government to consult with all relevant parties before scheduling future board exams. However, the Registered Unaided Private Schools Association (RUPSA) has announced its intention to challenge this decision in the Supreme Court.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal tussle originated from the Karnataka government's notifications on October 6 and October 9, 2023, appointing the Karnataka School Examination & Assessment Board (KSEAB) to conduct the "Summative Assessment-2" exams. Initially contested by private school management associations, a single judge had nullified the government's notifications. However, the ruling was put on hold following the state's appeal to a division bench. Subsequently, private schools and parents filed special leave petitions before the Supreme Court, leading to a temporary suspension of the exams.
Commencement of Exams
Following the High Court's directive, the Karnataka State Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has announced that board exams for Classes 5, 8, and 9 will commence from March 25. Originally slated for March 13, the exams will now start on Monday, March 25.
Simultaneously, SSLC (Class 10) exams in Karnataka are also scheduled to begin on March 25, with approximately 8.9 lakh students registered to appear.
As per the official timetable, Class 5 exams will be held on March 25 for Environmental Studies (2:30 pm to 4:30 pm) and on March 26 for Mathematics (10:00 am to 12:00 pm).
For Class 8, exams will take place from March 25 to 28, covering Third Language on March 25 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm), Mathematics on March 26 (10:00 am to 12:30 pm), Science on March 27 (2:30 pm to 5:00 pm), and Social Science on March 28 (10 am to 12:30 pm).
Similarly, Class 9 exams will follow the same schedule, with adjusted timings: Third Language on March 25 (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm), Mathematics on March 26 (10:00 am to 1:15 pm), Science on March 27 (2:00 pm to 5:15 pm), and Social Science on March 28 (10 am to 1:15 pm).
Allahabad HC Rules UP Madrasa Education Act 2004, Unconstitutional