Class XII Economics re-exam on April 25, no Maths re-exam for Mumbai students: Education Secretary Anil Swarup

Education secretary Anil Swarup, in a press conference on Friday, announced that the Class XII Economics re-exam will be held on April 25.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) class X Mathematics and class XII Economics question paper leak was reported on Wednesday, following which re-exams were proposed.

While addressing reporters today, Swarup said that since the leak of the Maths exam was restricted to only Delhi and Haryana, a re-test would only take place in these places.

However, the decision to conduct a re-exam Delhi and Haryana also would likely be taken in the next 15 days. If the exam were to be conducted, it would be scheduled in the month of July.

“Regarding Class X re-examination, as the leak was restricted to Delhi and Haryana, if it at all a re-exam will happen, it will happen only in Delhi and Haryana and a decision will be taken on this in next 15 days. If at all a re-exam is done, it will be in July,” he told reporters.

“Our immediate concern of the children who have suffered and this decision is in that context and we will nail the person who did this,” he said, adding that the detailed departmental and police inquiry into the incident was underway.

Swarup further stated that a system to prevent leaks was in place and that the incident was unfortunate.

When asked about reports suggesting that tip-offs about possible leaks were ignored, Swarup defended the decision to go ahead with the exams as they could not be cancelled at the last minute.

He also dismissed rumours that papers of other subjects were leaked and that the leak was not restricted to Indian centres. According to the official, no re-exam would be conducted in CBSE centres abroad.

Other Updates:

* MNS President Raj Thackeray has asked students and parents to “boycott the re-examinations” proposed by the government. Thackeray said it was the responsibility of the government, but instead of owning up its mistake, it was again burdening the students with a re-examination of the leaked papers.

* The exam papers were circulated in at least WhatsApp groups with more than 50 members each including private tutors, students, and parents. Delhi Police Crime Branch is currently questioning admins of these WhatsApp groups.

* Delhi Crime Branch has also sought a reply from Google about the email that was sent to CBSE chairperson. The mail, sent from a Gmail ID, contained images of handwritten questions papers.

* The decision to conduct re-exams met with strong opposition from students, many of whom have taken to the streets in protest today.

* Section 144 has been imposed as a precaution outside HRD minister Prakash Javadekar’s residence in the backdrop of the protests.