Karnataka postpones II PU exams

Karnataka primary and secondary education minister S Suresh Kumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s primary and secondary education minister S Suresh Kumar said on Tuesday that the II PU exam has been postponed and the new dates shall be announced with at least a 15-day notice.

He also announced that all I PU students will be promoted to the next year.

Nearly 6.8 lakh students were to appear for the II PU exam. Previously, the practical exams were postponed and we’re supposed to be held two days after the theory exams concluded.

“Parents, teachers, principals and student organisations, among other stakeholders, requested us to postpone the exam because of a surge in Covid-19 cases. Many students have gone back to their hometowns. Officials, including some from PU wing who coordinate for the exams, are busy with covid work. Taking into consideration all these factors, we have decided to postpone the exam”, said Suresh Kumar.

States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Punjab have already postponed their exams.

He said, “We are aware of concerns of other pending exams like CET, JEE and NEET. Students should not be disheartened, but must stay safe at home and continue with preparation.” The classes are available on online platform too.

The minister also informed about a bridge course which will be provided for them at the beginning of next academic year. I PU curriculum was reduced by 30% this year. Parents and students were relieved when they heard about the postponement of exams but they also said that it was disheartening to see the kids prepare endlessly for the exams. Nisha C, mom of a II-year PU student said, “When will they write it? This will be a tough year given the uncertainty.”

BR Supreet, secretary of Oxford College Ullal said, “The decision should have come earlier saving parents and students stress. Other boards and states announced it at least a fortnight ago. Many II PU students are testing positive. On I PU exams, the department should have some kind of valuation and announce how markscards will be prepared.”