KSA flays qualifying test practice of private schools
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 05 2024: Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA) has strongly objected to the practice of private schools adopting pre-board and pre-council examinations as qualifying tests for students to appear in the High School Leaving Certificate Examination (HSLCE) and Higher Secondary Exam ination (HSE).

Addressing the media at its Khoyathong head office on Thursday, KSA secretary (HRD) Toijam Ranakumar criticised the trend on the ground that it undermines the educational purpose of these mock examinations.

Ranakumar acknowledged that pre-board and pre-council examinations can serve as effective tools for students to prepare for the Class X and XII examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM), and the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur (COHSEM), respectively.

He, however, expressed concern over reports that some schools are applying these exams as a means to disqualify students from filling up examination forms for HSLCE and HSE unless they pass the pre-exams.

According to Ranakumar, certain schools also exploit this system to generate additional revenues by imposing fines on students who fail these pre-exams but still yearning to appear the board exams.

While schools are defending the policy claiming it of motivating the students, the same practice has placed unjustified burdens on students and their families, he noted.

The KSA secretary emphasised that the outcome of preboard or pre-council exams does not guarantee success or failure in the HSLCE or HSE while asserting that such practices infringe upon students' right to education as mock examinations are primarily meant as assessment tools to identify students' weak areas and help them improve.

He advised schools to focus on providing counselling or advice to weaker students and engaging with their parents rather than penalising them by denying access to the board exams.

Ranakumar also revealed that some schools are charging extra fees for form fill-up for HSLCE and HSE, despite serious financial issues faced by families due to the prevailing crisis in the state.

He urged schools to refrain from such activities, reminding that KSA has been consistently appealing for tuition fee exemptions during months when normal classes were not conducted.

"Schools found charging additional fees shall bear all the responsibilities for any consequences," he cautioned and encouraged students and parents facing such issues to report the same to KSA at its Khoyathong office or through the KSA HO's Facebook page.

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