The Odisha State Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) will oversee vocational practical exams within schools from January 15 to 31.
In a recent announcement, the Board of Secondary Examination (BSE) Odisha unveiled the timetable for the High School Certificate (HSC), Madhyama, and State Open School Certificate (SOSC) Examinations-2024, all set to run concurrently from February 20 to March 4.
To accommodate a potential heatwave, exams will be held in the morning session, starting at 9 am and concluding by 11:30 am. The schedule includes the first language Odia exam on February 20, second language English on February 23, mathematics on February 26, third language Hindi/Sanskrit on February 28, general science on March 2, and social science on March 4.
Around 1,500 examination centers are already under CCTV surveillance, with plans to install cameras in the remaining locations. A control room has been established to monitor sensitive centers via web telecast.
Furthermore, Hazra mentioned an opportunity for corrections in candidates’ data and photographs, requesting the submission of original documents for verification at the BSE head office in Cuttack from December 14 to 21.
The evaluation of subjective answer sheets is expected to commence from March 15, spanning at least 12 days.
Odisha HSC Exams to Begin February 20, No Second Sittings This Year
The Board of Secondary Education (BSE) Odisha has announced that the annual Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations for 2024 will be conducted from February 20 to March 4, 2024. This year, there will be no second sitting opportunity for students who fail the exams.
Key changes for the 2024 Odisha HSC exams:
- Exam Dates: February 20 to March 4, 2024
- No Second Sittings: This is a significant departure from the previous practice of allowing students to retake the exams in a subsequent sitting if they fail.
- First Sitting Only: All students will have to perform their best in the first attempt itself, as there won’t be another chance.
- Revised Schedule: To avoid the scorching summer heat, the exams will be conducted in the mornings, starting at 9:00 AM and ending at 11:30 AM.
- Vocational Exams: The vocational practical examinations will be held earlier, between January 15 and 31, 2024, under the supervision of the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSEPA).
Benefits of the revised exam schedule:
- Early Completion: Conducting exams in February-March ensures a quicker turnaround time for results and subsequent admission processes.
- Avoiding Heatwave: Holding exams earlier helps students avoid the discomfort and potential health risks associated with the peak summer months in Odisha.
- Focus on First Attempt: The absence of second sittings encourages students to put their best effort into the initial exams, promoting better preparation and potentially higher scores.
Challenges and concerns:
- Increased Pressure: The removal of second sittings may put additional pressure on students to perform well in the first attempt, potentially leading to stress and anxiety.
- Limited Time for Preparation: The earlier exam dates may leave some students with less time for preparation compared to previous years.
- Need for Strong Support Systems: Schools and teachers will need to provide adequate support and guidance to students to help them cope with the pressure and ensure they are well-prepared for the exams.
The BSE has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the HSC exams. Students and parents are advised to carefully review the exam schedule and make necessary preparations accordingly.
