Dropouts can now directly appear for class X exams

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) in its general body meeting held on June 30 announced that any student who is 18 can now appear for the class 10 exam through the open school system introduced this year. According to executive board member of GSHSEB, Bhaskar Patel earlier a student who had left studies mid-way and had completed 18-years of age had to first clear all other standards before appearing for class 10 exams.

This meant that if a student left school while in class 8, then he could appear for class 10 exams only after clearing class 8 and 9. But now he/she can directly appear for class 10 through the open school system. "With class 8 being included in primary sections and class 9 coming under the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation system, he or she can now directly appear for standard tenth exam through open school system," said Patel.

There are around 263 open school centres wherein, every weekend, teachers will be appointed to guide students for the same. The teachers will be paid Rs 1500 whereas the school will receive Rs 500. Other changes brought into effect include qualification of the teachers who teach computers.

Earlier a diploma certificate was enough to teach the subject but now they need to be either a MCA or have a four year degree certificate in computers. In addition, Patel said that the board has also decided to directly appoint teachers and principals for minority schools.