Date:31/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/31/stories/2008033157690100.htm

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8.4 lakh to appear for SSLC exam starting today

Staff Reporter

308 sensitive and 110 super-sensitive centres identified across Karnataka

There are 8,429 private candidates
Stern action against malpractices

— Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

Preparation: A file picture of SSLC students engaged in revision just before the start of the examination.

Bangalore: As many as 8.44 lakh students in the State will appear for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination that will begin on Monday.

Speaking to The Hindu here, D.S. Rajanna, Director of the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB), said the board had taken all steps for the smooth conduct of the examination.

He said the examination would be conducted in 2,645 centres across the State.

“We have taken steps to ensure that the allotted examination centre is close to the candidates’ schools. The examination centres are not more than 1.5 to 2 km from the candidates’ schools,” he said.

Of the total number of students taking the examination, 4.57 lakh are boys and 3.87 lakh girls. Of the 8.4 lakh students, 23.89 per cent belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and 2,860 are differently abled. Of the 2,645 centres, 1,506 are cluster examination centres, while 1,065 are non-cluster centres. A total of 8,429 private candidates will appear for the examination in the 74 centres set up especially for them.

“We have identified 308 sensitive and 110 super-sensitive centres. The board has taken steps to videograph the super-sensitive centres after the examination commences. We are keen on checking malpractices. The sitting squads, flying squads and vigilance squads will ensure that students do not indulge in malpractice,” he said.

Last year, 360 cases of malpractice were reported across the State. Vigilance squads have been formed at various levels.

Punishment

“Students caught indulging in malpractice will be debarred for one to four years depending on the degree of offence as specified by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board Act, 1966.” Mr. Rajanna said that prohibitory orders would be in force in a 200-metre radius around the examination centres.

He said that only personnel with the identity cards issued by the board would be allowed inside the centres.

“We are confident that the examinations will be conducted smoothly. I call upon students not to indulge in malpractice, and inform the board about any irregularities and paper leak,” Mr. Rajanna added. The examination will end on April 9 and evaluation will begin on April 11. The results will be declared in the first week of May.