Madhyamik & HS timings brought forward. Here’s why
Both the Madhyamik (secondary) and Higher Secondary examinations, conducted by the Bengal government, would start two hours earlier this year. Instead of 11.45 am, they would start at 9.45 am.
Both sets of examinations are 3 hours 15 minutes in duration. While Madhyamik will begin on February 2, Higher Secondary will begin on February 16.
According to the West Bengal Secondary Education Council Person Ramanuj Ganguly, the early timing was adopted because of four reasons.
He said officials had visited schools in 11 districts last year during the examination period and found that there is less traffic early in the morning, around 8.30, the time when students start arriving at the examination centres. Therefore, an early start makes it easier for students to reach the venues on time.
An early start also means an early finishing of examinations, which ensures students reach home early and get enough time to prepare properly for the next examination.
An early finish also ensures that students and teachers, especially those from far-off places, are able to reach home early and thus not face any security issues.
These reasons assume more importance when considering the fact that the examination centres are always schools which are other than those that the students have studied in, and so are unfamiliar with.
