Revise clashing exam dates: Parents to government

The parents of hundreds of school-going children have sought political intervention to address the problem of the dates of two competitive exams clashing on September 24. The parents have said that since the state government-held elementary drawing exam and central government-held Dr Homi Bhabha science exams are on the same date, their children would lose out. They have hence requested a politician to intervene on their behalf with education minister Vinod Tawde and have one of the exams rescheduled. Around 1 lakh students appear for the exams from all over Maharashtra every year.

According to Dhananjay Junnarkar, secretary, Mumbai Pradesh and Congress party spokesperson, the parents had approached him regarding the clash of dates for the two competitive exams, to be held on September 24.

“Parents plan for their children to sit for both these exams for almost a year and, accordingly, enrol their children for preparatory courses. The results of both the exams are important and have validity not only across the country, but also in some foreign countries. Hence, the clash of dates has become a major concern for them and they have requested me to intervene on their behalf to get the date of one of the exams changed,” said Mr Junnarkar. He added that he had submitted a letter with the same request to Mr Tawde’s office on Monday, and said he hoped that the minister would grant the request of the parents in the best interests of the students.

The elementary and drawing exam is conducted by the Directorate of Art (DA) and is held over a period of four days, with two days each allotted for both categories. The exam is conducted in four states – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Goa – and, this year, it has received 4.5 lakh entries and will be held at 950 centres.

DA director Dr Rajiv Mishra said: “There is a logistical problem and considering the high number of enrolments and schools involved in conducting the exam, it would not be possible for us to reschedule it.”

While the MSTA was not reachable for comment, Mr Tawde said he would look into the issue sympathetically in the best interests of the students who want to appear for both the exams.