Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) on Monday decided to cancel the board exams for Class 10 (SSC). Maharashtra Education Minister VArsha Gaikwad also confirmed the news via her Twitter handle. The decision was taken by the state government amid griming situation of the pandemic in Maharashtra. Maharashtra HSC Board Exams 2021, however, stand postponed and new dates would be declared accordingly in due course of time.

Talking on the health and safety of the students, Varsha Gaikwad on the micro-blogging site wrote, "Given the worsening situation of the #Covid-19 pandemic, the Maharashtra government has now decided to CANCEL the state board exams for class 10th. Health & safety of students & teachers is our topmost priority."

Gaikwad also stated that on the scope of student assessment, the state government will declare details in the coming days. “The details on how to evaluate students’ performance will be informed in the coming days. It will be based on internal assessment. Further course of action for those seeking an upgrade in marks, too, will be shared in future,” Varsha Gaikwad said.

In the latest decision, however, no change was declared with regard to HSC examination, which will be conducted after May, as per the previous order.

Many other boards, including CBSE and CISCE have also cancelled the class 10 board exams and postponed class 12 exams. Earlier this month, Education Minister had declared the postponement of class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (Class 12) board exams 2021 after Maharashtra witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. The minister had said that present situation is not conducive for holding board exams in the state. As many as 18 lakh students are expected to have registered for the Maharashtra SSC Board Exams 2021 while 16 lakh for the Maharashtra HSC Board Exams 2021.

Meanwhile, schools continue to remain closed in Maharashtra. As per reports, the government is anticipating complete lockdown to restrict the further spread.