The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations for 2009 are likely to start earlier than the usual schedule, because of the Lok Sabha elections.This was revealed by State Education Minister Vasant Purke on Tuesday. “Change in schedule of SSC/ HSC examination is expected. We shall ensure that the students are intimated about it well in advance so that they do not face any inconvenience,” he said. However, there is apprehension among students and their parents about the dates of the examinations. The Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have already declared their exam schedules. Students and parents feel they would be relieved if the state board too declares the timetable as soon as possible. The mid-term exams took place after Diwali because of the Commonwealth Youth Games in the city and students would have to appear for the preliminary exam in January. In case the board exams are held earlier than the usual time, they will be immediately after the prelims in February, which will be a burden on students, some parents feel. Purke also said that the state was planning to approach the Supreme Court (SC) in favour of the percentile system after the Bombay High Court quashed the move two months back. “We have formed a micro study group to study the intricacies of the system. The report is expected very soon after which we shall approach the SC,” Purke said. The system sought to “normalise” marks obtained by students of the SSC, CBSE and ICSE boards for admission to junior college. “The percentile formula has been adopted with the intention of giving justice to all students irrespective of their boards. The system is in favour of merit and will benefit students,” Purke reiterated. The percentile system suggests calculation of average marks of the top 10 scores of certain divisions (like Mumbai and Pune) in the state, which are considered as ‘A’. The actual percentage scored by a student will be noted as ‘M’ and the revised scores will then be calculated by the formula M/A X 100. Purke was in the city to inaugurate the new administrative building of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). The new building has been built behind Balchitravani office on BMCC road. Of the total 13,088 square metre area, the administrative building stands on 8132 square metre. “We are planning to construct staff quarters and a guest house on the remaining space,” said Vijaysheela Sardesai, chairperson of the board. Purke also inaugurated the board’s website of environment education at the event
