Poor Exam Facilities Trouble Students, JKBOSE Promises Quick Fix
By Sakib Jkbose
Srinagar, Nov 9: Students and parents from various parts of Kashmir have voiced serious concerns over the inadequate arrangements at several examination centres set up by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) for the ongoing annual board exams.
The annual exams for Classes 10 and 12 are currently being held across Kashmir and the winter zones of Jammu. While Class 10 papers commenced on November 3, the Class 12 exams began on November 8.
However, after the first two days of the senior secondary examinations, numerous complaints poured in regarding poor infrastructure and lack of basic facilities at exam venues.
In Anantnag, parents reported that students were crammed into small rooms without proper seating or writing arrangements. “Students are made to sit on wooden chairs with tiny armrests that make it nearly impossible to write comfortably,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a parent.
He added that inadequate spacing and lack of desks made it difficult for students to manage their answer sheets and stationery. “Left-handed students are especially suffering since the armrests are designed for right-handed use,” he said.
Parents further complained that the chairs were too closely packed, leaving students with no legroom and causing distractions. “It’s unacceptable—such discomfort can directly affect students’ performance,” one parent remarked.
They also questioned why examination centres were allotted to schools with limited infrastructure when nearby schools with better facilities were left unused.
Similar situations were reported from Srinagar, where students allegedly had to sit on the bare floor of a private school during their exams. “In freezing temperatures, thin mats were spread on cold cemented floors. The students could barely write properly,” said Waseem Ahmad, a parent from downtown Srinagar.
Responding to the backlash, JKBOSE Secretary Ghulam Hassan Sheikh said that the Board had taken note of the issue. “We’ve directed officials to make immediate improvements. Proper seating and arrangements will be ensured from the next paper onward,” Sheikh told Greater Kashmir.
He added that JKBOSE would issue strict instructions to ensure all centres provide fair and comfortable conditions for examinees.
Meanwhile, reports of malpractice have also emerged. Students at a Class 10 exam centre in Kupwara alleged that some invigilators were helping select candidates during the paper. “Some teachers were assisting students, which distracted others and was demoralizing,” a student said.
Secretary Sheikh assured action against those involved. “We will replace the entire staff of that centre. JKBOSE may not have enough manpower to monitor every centre closely, but we will not tolerate any form of cheating,” he stated.
As the exams continue, parents and students have urged the Board to strengthen supervision and improve facilities to ensure fairness and comfort for all. (JKNS)
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