CBSE, ICSE examinations begin

The Indian Certificate for Secondary Education (ICSE) exam for the tenth standard conducted by the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations also began on the same day with the English paper.

Students from 240 schools appeared for the CBSE exam in 86 centres across the State.
On Day One of the Board exams Music exam was held for Class X and Physics for Class XII. Some students were nervous while a few others were as cool as cucumber. Arnav Sharma, a Class XII student said the Physics exam was not difficult.
“Despite having prepared well, I was nervous and stressed out. I called the CBSE helpline, which helped me to relax and gain confidence. It helped me continue with my revisions,” he explained.

Some students were glad that the Physics exam was over. Shivani Shah said Physics is one of the toughest subject and fortunately it was scheduled on the first day.

Grading system
Class X students were happy that they wouldn’t have to worry about results as the grading system is in place. Making Board exams optional for Class IX and X with effect from 2011 too has been well received by students.
“The HRD Ministry’s decision on making Class X exams optional along with continuous evaluation throughout the year will make students to be well prepared. Students will not be stressed out with the annual examination,” Preeti Raj, a tenth standard student pointed.

Parents’ differ
The parents, who were waiting for their wards at the entrances of different exam centres, however, disagreed on the Ministry's move.
Namrata Kumar, a government employee who was seen waiting for her daughter to complete the Class XII exam, opined that there was a need for Board exams.
“The Board exams make students work hard and excel in their career. Although the exams will become optional, most parents would still want their wards to appear for the exam,” she added.

No obstacles
A CBSE spokesperson for Chennai region said the exam was conducted without any obstacles across the Southern region.
In the Chennai Region, which comprises Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshwadeep, 1.17 lakh students from 827 schools have appeared for Class X exams while 57,806 have appeared for Class XII exams from 573 centres.

Margaret Eastwood, convenor for central zone of ICSE schools said that the first day of exams was conducted smoothly. Most students in the City schools had no problem in writing the English paper while their concern was over the exams ahead.
DH News Service