Maharashtra ICSE Board Exams to be Conducted in July 2020, CISCE Confirms to Bombay HC

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has stated to the Bombay HC that class 10 board examinations will be conducted in July 2020. 

As per the released dates, ICSE Class 10 exams will be held from July 2, 2020 to July 14, 2020. Whereas ICSE Class 12 exams will be conducted from July 1, 2020 to July 14, 2020. 

The board stated that all the necessary precautionary measures will be taken while conducting the exams.

On the other hand, the Maharashtra state government is of the view that conducting exams at this time will not be feasible due to the pandemic situation. The same was represented at Bombay High court, by advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni.

However, in an affidavit released, the central board argued that state government permission is not required to conduct the exams.

Earlier ICSE exams were scheduled from February 27 to March 30, 2020. But the exams from March 19, 2020 were canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak and nationwide lockdown announced.

The petition was filed by Arvind Tiwari challenging the ICSE board's decision to conduct the class 10 exams from July 2, 2020 to July 12, 2020.

In the petition filed, it has been claimed that since the coronavirus cases are at a rising state, it will be appropriate to declare the results on the basis of past performance and internal assessments.

Over 226 schools in Maharashtra are affiliated to ICSE Board and approximately 23,347 students were to appear for class 10 board exams.

ICSE Board has stated that the exams cannot be postponed and the exams will be conducted keeping in mind all the safety and health measures. The students who reside in the containment zone can appear for the exams in September 2020.