A day after the Centre cancelled CBSE class 10 exams and postponed class 12 exams, the Jharkhand Academic Council is likely to make changes in their exam schedule for board exams in the wake of the rising Covid-19 cases in the state.

Around 7 lakh students are set to appear for the board exams to be conducted by JAC from May 4. The exams, as per the existing schedule, will be held at over 2000 centres across 24 districts in Jharkhand.

“Given the current situation, it would be difficult to hold the exams. However, the state government will take a final call on whether we need to postpone the exams or cancel them,” said JAC chairperson Arvind Prasad Singh.

Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Abhibhavak Manch (JAM), the largest parents’ association in the state, shot letters to JAC and ICSE on Thursday seeking necessary changes in the exam schedule in the wake of the Covid-19 situation in the state.

In the letter addressed to the JAC Chairperson, JAM has demanded cancellation of all board exams for the time being. “Parents are concerned about the wellbeing of their children as they would have to travel to exam centres and appear for the papers amid growing cases of Covid infection. The JAC exams, set to begin on May 4, should be cancelled for the time being,” the letter stated.

Ajay Rai, the president of the parents’ body, said that it would be unfair on ICSE and JAC students if they are asked to appear for their board exams at a time when the CBSE has cancelled its class 10 exams and postponed class 12 exams.

“The rules should be the same for all students irrespective of their board. We cannot ask ICSE and JAC students to appear for exams at a time when CBSE has made changes to their exam schedule,” said Rai, adding that safety of students should be paramount for any board and the parents’ association in Jharkhand will press for postponement of exams.

The developments come at a time when the Covid-19 situation in the state is turning bad to worse. In the past 48 hours, Jharkhand has reported around 6000 Covid cases and 60 Covid deaths, reveals government data. The state is also battling a crisis of drugs and hospital beds after the sudden spike in the active caseload. The JAC already started the practical exams for class 10 and 12 on April 6.