The state education department has taken an unexpected and controversial step by ordering all schools to prepone their annual examinations to February next year. Although the academic year ends on March 31, the department has moved the exams almost a month earlier. Under the revised schedule, the annual exams will begin on February 9 and end on February 19. Consequently, teachers and students across the state now face intense pressure to adjust to the abrupt change.
Schools Struggle to Finish the Syllabus on Time
The sudden decision has created widespread concern among schools. Teachers say the shorter academic period makes it extremely difficult to complete the syllabus properly. Moreover, many schools have not started their second unit tests, which they usually conduct well before the annual examinations. As a result, the February 9 deadline forces both teachers and students to rush through lessons.
A headmaster of a higher secondary school, who requested anonymity, described the situation as “highly challenging.” He said schools normally conduct annual exams in the last week of February and continue into early March. This routine gives teachers enough time to finish the curriculum and help students revise. However, the new dates leave little room for a smooth teaching flow, and students may struggle to grasp important concepts.
Academic Planning Disrupted in Most Schools
The revised schedule has also thrown academic planning into disarray. Many schools had lined up project work, practical exams, and remedial classes for the coming weeks. Teachers now need to compress months of work into a very short period. Consequently, weaker students may suffer the most because they often need additional support and time.
Teachers also point out that February already brings several national events, extracurricular activities, and board exam preparations. Therefore, the new exam schedule increases the pressure on schools during an already demanding month. Some schools also worry that the sudden workload may affect attendance and overall student participation.
Education Department Offers No Clarification
School authorities have repeatedly tried to reach the education department for answers, but no official has responded so far. Their silence has only added to the confusion. Teachers argue that the department should announce such major decisions well in advance so schools can prepare accordingly. Instead, the abrupt directive forces them to reorganize their entire academic plan with very little time.
Students and Parents Express Growing Worry
Students and parents have also raised concerns about the new timeline. Many students depend on the extra weeks in March for revision and doubt-clearing sessions. Parents fear the rushed schedule may affect learning outcomes and overall exam performance. Consequently, several parent groups have urged the department to explain the reason behind the sudden change or reconsider the decision.
Call for Review Gains Strength
The directive has created a ripple effect throughout the education system. Schools must now speed through their syllabi, students must prepare under pressure, and parents continue to seek clarity. If the education department remains silent, the next few weeks may become even more stressful for the entire academic community.
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