By Nishant S.Gurung

More than 400,000 students of Grade XII from across Nepal are taking their board exams since Tuesday after the National Examination Board decided that it was ok as long as everyone involved adopted health safety protocols.

The examination was originally scheduled to take place in April, but got postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“According to the guidelines sent to us by NEB, we are conducting written exams for a total of 40 marks, 40 marks will be awarded to the students on the basis of their Grade XI results, and remaining 20 marks will be given according to their internal evaluation,” said Surendra Lamsal, Campus Chief at Brooklyn College.

Students have been allowed to take the exams from their respective schools/colleges for the first time keeping the pandemic in mind.

“The decision to allow colleges to conduct the board exams at home center has made it easier for us to run the exams smoothly. Face masks are mandatory and we sanitize all classrooms before the students arrive. We also measure and note down their temperature at the entrance gate,” informed Ranzit Chhetri, Student Relations Officer at the college.

“I had returned to my village in Sindhupalchowk with some books just before the lockdown. I was worried when our exams were postponed as I had many questions in my mind such as when would the exams be rescheduled and if there’d be any changes in the exam pattern. In my village, I had to walk for an hour every day to access internet and online consultations with my teachers, which helped me prepare for the exams,” said 20-year-old examinee Kshitij Parajuli.

“I am very happy since I am finally appearing for the board exams and also I get to wear my uniform after 8 months. I had enough time for preparations but since the exam dates were not finalized I was skeptical if our exams would be held this year,” said 18 year old examinee Ankita Adhikari.