New Delhi: Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the CBSE class 10^th board exams have been cancelled and class 12^th exams have been deferred because of a nationwide Covid – 19 surges.

The Union Minister in a tweet said that it had led to demands by parents, students, politicians and various states for a Government rethink. This decision was taken on Wednesday afternoon after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Education Minister and top officials, he said. This decision is affecting over 35 lakh students. The Minister also said a decision will be taken on fresh dates on June 1, he said, adding that students will have at least 15 days’ notice before the exams.

On the Class 10 exams that were cancelled, the minister said the results would be prepared “on the basis of an objective criterion to be developed by the Board” and students not satisfied with their marks would be given the chance to take the exams whenever they can be held. The ICSE board, has not taken any decision on the school examinations and yet to be announced.