GCSE, A Level exams in January amid pandemic

The government has approved the British Council’s plan to hold GCSE and A Level examinations for students of English medium schools in January next year amid coronavirus outbreak

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education under the Ministry of Education gave necessary approval and issued a letter to the British Council country director on Sunday containing four conditions for holding the examinations.

Media report on Sunday revealed that exams organisers will have to strictly follow the health guidelines prepared by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

A maximum of 1,600 students will be allowed to take the exams in 35 venues of the country.

The students will have to maintain six feet distance from each other.

The government, however, will be able to cancel the approval anytime in the “interest of the people”, according to the letter.

The British Council will be held responsible, if any student is infected with Covid-19 during the exams, the letter said.

Earlier on December 8, the British Council applied to the education ministry and sought approval for the schedule of the exams.