Karnataka SSLC and II PU Examinations 2024: Comprehensive Schedule and Security Protocols Unveiled
The Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has officially announced the examination schedules for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and II Pre-University Course (II PU) for the academic year 2024. In a significant move, the department has pre-declared the result dates well in advance, aiming to provide clarity and reduce anxiety among students and parents.
Examination Dates and Student Participation
The II PU examinations are scheduled to commence on February 28, 2024, and will conclude on March 17, 2024. Following this, the SSLC exams will begin on March 18, 2024, and run until April 2, 2024. Both examinations will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for II PU and 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM for SSLC.
This year, a substantial number of students are set to participate. Approximately 9,02,889 candidates will appear for the SSLC examination, while 7,10,363 students are registered for the II PU exams. The breakdown includes:
- SSLC: 8,12,855 freshers, 62,845 repeaters, and 27,189 private candidates across 15,941 schools.
- II PU: 6,46,801 freshers, 50,540 repeaters, and 13,022 private candidates from 5,174 colleges.
Result Declaration and Subsequent Examinations
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the department has announced the result dates beforehand. The II PU results are expected to be declared on April 7, 2024, followed by the SSLC results on April 24, 2024. Additionally, supplementary or second examinations are planned:
- II PU Exam 2: April 25 to May 9, with results on May 22.
- SSLC Exam 2: May 18 to May 25, with results on June 1.
Enhanced Security Measures and Infrastructure
To ensure the integrity of the examination process, the department has implemented robust security protocols. Webcasting, introduced in 2024, will continue under the supervision of district commissioners. A 200-meter restricted zone will be enforced around all examination centers, during which Xerox, cyber, and computer centers will remain closed.
Madhu Bangarappa, Minister for School Education and Literacy, emphasized the precautions taken to prevent question paper leaks and curb misinformation. "We have taken all necessary measures to safeguard the examination process. Strict action will be taken against those spreading false information. I urge students to avoid social media during exams," he stated during a review meeting with various departments.
Stream-wise Enrollment and Government Initiatives
In the II PU stream, science continues to dominate with 2,92,645 enrollments, followed by commerce at 2,11,174, and arts at 1,42,982. Noting the declining interest in arts, the minister announced plans to expand science and commerce sections in government colleges to accommodate the shifting preferences.
Logistical Support and Student Welfare
The department has arranged several facilities to support students. Free bus travel is permitted for exam-takers upon showing their admit cards. Given the shortage of KSRTC buses in the Karavali and Malenadu regions, private bus operators have been requested to assist. District commissioners are tasked with ensuring travel arrangements for students from remote areas.
Admit cards for II PU are already available, while SSLC admit cards will be issued in the first week of March. To address unrecognized schools, the recognition renewal deadline has been extended to March 31, 2024, allowing students from such institutions to write exams based on previous year's recognition.
Academic Preparation and Parental Involvement
Schools are actively preparing students with resources like blueprints, model question papers, question banks, previous year papers with key answers, and centum papers. Regular parents' meetings are being conducted to update them on their children's learning progress.
For students experiencing exam-related stress, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board has established a helpline at 080-23310075/76.
Minister Bangarappa concluded with a message of encouragement: "We are fully prepared for the exams. We request students to approach them with confidence and without stress."
