Amid rising cases of Covid-19 across the country, the Education Ministry decided to cancel the CBSE Class 10 board examinations for students while they decided to postpone the Class 12 examinations. The announcement comes moments after the Ministry's consultation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Fresh dates for Class 12 CBSE examinations will be announced on June 1 following a review of the Covid-19 situation and a notice of at least 15 days will be given before the start of the examinations. The exams were originally scheduled to be held from May 4 to June 14, 2021. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, School and Higher Education Secretaries and other top officials attended the high-level meeting chaired by PM Modi.

As per the Ministry's statement, the results of Class 10 students will be prepared on the basis of an objective criterion, which will be developed by the Board. Any candidate who is not satisfied with their marks determined on this basis shall be given an opportunity attend the board exam as soon as the conditions are conducive to hold the exams.

Welcoming the move by the Centre, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "I am glad that the exams have been cancelled/postponed. This is a great relief for lakhs of students and their parents." Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "Glad the government has finally cancelled the 10th standard exams however a final decision MUST be taken for the 12th grade too. Keeping students under undue pressure until June makes no sense. It's unfair. I urge the government to decide now."