PSEB abolishes semester system

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has decided to do away with the semester system from the coming academic session. The system was introduced in the 2009-10 session but a formal notification was never issued.

According to Dr Vinod,district education officer,the semester system has been dissolved because it proved unsuitable and tough for students and decreased the pass percentage considerably. “Firstly, the semester starts from April 1. With summer vacations of one month in between,students’ academics get affected. Also,the following semester gets delayed. Besides,due to administrative problems in PSEB,the first semester result is often delayed,because of which students suffer,” Vinod added.

He further pointed out that parents were being burdened due to the system. “ The examination fee is paid twice,which increases the burden on parents. Moreover,teachers are not happy as they have to work in double shifts. So considering the interests of students,parents and teachers,we have decided to dissolve this system.”

Balwinder Singh,PSEB secretary,also echoed similar views.

“ The semester system wastes a lot of time. It affects the extra-curricular,sports and other competitive activities. Students also fear appearing for the examination,twice in a year,” Singh said.