Education Minister Sakina Itoo has announced that students in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to take their exams in mid-November, will receive syllabus relaxation. This adjustment follows the shift in the academic calendar from March to November, requiring earlier exams than usual.
Reason for the Shift
- Weather Conditions: The decision to conduct exams earlier stems from the likelihood of heavy snowfall in the winter zone.
- New Academic Schedule: To accommodate this change, exams will be held in November-December, replacing the traditional March session for classes 1 to 9.
Syllabus Relaxation
Students up to class 9 will benefit from reduced syllabus requirements. This decision was made to address the concerns of students and parents, ensuring a smoother transition to the new schedule. Stakeholders will be consulted to finalize the extent of relaxation.
Exam Timeline
- Exams for classes 1 to 9 will be held between November 20 and December 5.
- Schools are preparing date sheets, with exams starting from Kindergarten and continuing through class 9.
- Classes 10 to 12 will retain the March session until further notice.
Winter Preparations
With the region experiencing a cold wave despite dry weather, schools are preparing for exams ahead of the expected winter vacations in mid-December. Schools have already adjusted their timings to 10 AM – 3 PM to ease the burden on students during chilly mornings.
Parental and Teacher Support
- Teachers report that younger students, particularly in Kindergarten, are struggling with the cold but are optimistic about completing exams on time.
- Parents have also supported the timely exams to avoid disruptions due to harsh winter conditions.
The revised schedule aims to balance educational needs with the challenges of winter in Jammu and Kashmir.