The minister said that the government is optimistic about completing and declaring results by August 15^th after which schools can be reopened. “We are hopeful about declaring results of both board exams that have already been conducted and the ones that are pending.” The minister was quoted as saying.

The schools and colleges have been closed since March 16, shortly before the center announced the nationwide lock down to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. The HRD minister said that the government will make all the arrangements for all those who are interested in giving exams. He also said that the exams will be from July 1 to July 15. The decision of reopening of schools will be taken after prior consultation with the Home as well as the Health ministry of the central government.

Mandatory masks, regular sanitation of hands and only 12 students per room- these are some of the guidelines that the CBSE plans to follow to conduct the remaining class 10 and 12 board exams amid the corona virus pandemic.

The HRD minister also said that the safety of children is paramount for the government and all the measures for ensuring their safety will be taken.

The government is planning to open schools with new seating arrangements coupled with new rules for mess, library, canteens etc. This would be the new normal for students in the times of Covid-19 pandemic. The students will have to lead a socially distant lives when they return to their schools.

The University Grants Commission of India (UGC) is of the view that the academic session for freshers may begin in September and for enrolled students in August. As per its recommendations, semester exams can be conducted in July either online or offline. The administration of various schools and colleges are also carrying out teaching and learning activities through different virtual mediums.

The HRD ministry has also shared the guidelines with the states so that they can make prior arrangements regarding the issue of reopening of schools and colleges. Regarding schools the HRD ministry has decided suspension of morning assemblies and sports activities in the playground.

The guidelines framed by the HRD ministry will also apply to conduct of competitive examinations. In case of residential schools, the guidelines will contain social distancing norms to be followed in mess and hostels.