Class XII biology paper leak case: On-the-spot test triggers protest

During the hearing session, 65 out of 67 students who were present were taken by surprise when they were asked to take on-the-spot 25-mark objective test of biology. When their parents, who were waiting outside the building learnt about this, they objected to it and protested against the board’s move to take an unannounced test during a hearing session. This is the first time ever that the board has conducted such an examination of students during a hearing session.

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“When there was no such information mentioned in the board’s letter received by the school on May 28 and later communicated to us about this written exam, why such a test is being conducted? Students have been called for a hearing session and not a written exam. What is the point in conducting such exam,” questioned one of the parents whose daughter studies in Jai Somnath School.

Questioning the board’s intention behind an unannounced test during a hearing session, another parent of a student of Pooja School in CTM area, said, “Since 11 in the morning, children have been inside the hall and now we are told that they were asked to take a written exam again. If they were to take examination again, they should have been informed about it. What is the point in keeping it a secret?”

When parents approached the GSHSEB authorities to find an answer, they were told that the test was a mere formality and of no significance. “When it is of no use, why conduct it,” asked the parents.

After the examination was conducted, students were called before the examination committee one by one. “No CCTV footage was shown to us and the committee members asked us whether our centre was involved in copying and if we were also involved in it or not. They took these in writing from us,” revealed one of the students. The students were let go after the hearing session that continued till evening. When asked, GSHSEB examination secretary V J Valand said, “Yes, we took the 25-mark OMR-based examination of all 65 students who were present for the hearing and it is also true that such an exam has been conducted for the first time. Since this was also an unusual case where it is very important to assess whether the question paper was leaked or not. Only those students have been called whose results of all four semesters (Class XI and XII) have a large variation. Thus, this test result will be compared with the recent exam conducted (biology exam conducted in April) and also the performance evaluation of previous three semesters is to be undertaken by the board to lead to any conclusion.”

He added, “This decision was taken by the board chairman in a meeting conducted late last night. Also, there has to be some evidence with us to conclude on some judgment. Thus, on the instructions of the chairman, the procedure was followed.” The results of all these 67 students have been kept reserved by the GSHSEB. The board officials claimed that it would be able to arrive at some conclusion within ten days after which the marks-sheets would also be issued to the students. Out of 67 students from seven schools, 46 students are from schools in Ahmedabad city area, 20 from Ahmedabad rural and one from Patan district.