The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) examinations, which begin on March 28 across the state, will be attended by approximately 15 lakh students.
All 1,625 examination centres have CCTV cameras to prevent irregularities during the exams. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the state education board did not hold exams in the academic year 2020-21.
Gujarat Education Minister Jitu Vaghani held a video conference with senior officials from district administrations on Monday to review the preparations. According to the minister, the percentage of objective questions in exams has been increased from 20% to 30% this year in order to reduce student anxiety.
He also instructed the district administration officials to make arrangements for timely availability of buses for students from interior areas of the state to reach the examination centres. Further, he asked them to ensure the students arrive at their respective centres on time.
The minister, in an official release, stated that 9.64 lakh students will appear for Class 10 exams across 958 centres. While 1.08 lakh candidates in Class 12 science stream will take their exams at 140 centres, 4.25 lakh students from Class 12 general stream will appear for the examination at 527 centers.
The state government has also planned to expand the use of the “Jeevan Astha” helpline implemented by the police to keep students and their parents stress-free.
Vaghani said the state government has made all necessary arrangements to enable a safe environment for the students at the examination centres.
“Adequate arrangements have been made for the peaceful conduct of examinations at sensitive examination centres in the state. A person who commits any irregularity in the examination will be severely punished. The accreditation of the examination centre will be revoked and also a fine will be imposed if any centre is found involved in any malpractice,” Vaghani stated in an official release.
Not sparing those spreading “paperleak” rumours, the minister said, “Strict action will be taken against false rumours of paper leak at the examination centres. All the 1,625 examination centres are equipped with CCTVs to prevent irregularities.”