Federal Education Minster Shafqat Mahmood on Tuesday (today), announced government’s decision to suspend all examinations in the country till June 15th in wake of worsening COVID-19 situation.
Addressing a press-briefing along with SAPM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood announced that National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has decided upon to postpone all kinds of examinations in the country due to surge in COVID-19 cases.
Addressing health concerns of students and parents All exams cancelled till June 15 and depending on the spread of the disease may even go further, he tweeted.
Addressing health concerns of students and parents All exams cancelled till June 15 and depending on the spread of the disease may even go further. Cambridge exams postponed till Oct/Nov for all grades. Only exception for those in A2 who have a compulsion to take exam now
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 27, 2021
During the press conference, Shafqat Mahmood highlighted that the forum in its earlier meeting on April 18th, had decided to go forward with examinations. However, in wake of significant spike in number coronavirus patients and deaths, forcing the government reviewed its decision.
The decision is applicable for all examinations i.e. board, Cambridge, university and others. It is to be noted that board examinations for 9, 10, 11 and 12 grade were scheduled to be held in May.
Furthermore, Shafqat Mahmood hinted on the possibility of exams being in July and August.
NCOC will mull over further postponing of examinations in the third week of May, he said.
Meanwhile expressing his views on Cambridge examinations, the Federal Education Minister apprised that they too have been postponed and the decision is applicable for all grades.
However, Shafqat Mahmood accentuated that students in A2 are exempted from the examination suspension as those students who are under compulsion, will be allowed to appear in their exams.
University admissions in Pakistan will be aligned for class 12 and A2 who will be taking exams in Oct/Nov. This is to ensure no one loses a year. For A2 who have some compulsion to take exams now, every attempt will be made to provide safe venues. Not more than 50 students
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 27, 2021
University admissions in Pakistan will be aligned for class 12 and A2 who will be taking exams in Oct/Nov. This is to ensure no one loses a year. For A2 who have some compulsion to take exams now, every attempt will be made to provide safe venues. Not more than 50 students, he noted.
Responding to a query regarding Cambridge A2 exams, Shafqat Mahmood clarified that A2 examinations will take place as scheduled for those students who have to take them for one reason or another. The rest of A2 can take exams in Oct/Nov and we will adjust Pakistani universities admission accordingly.
