Karnataka High Court Upholds Government’s Decision on Board Exams for Classes 5, 8, 9, and 11

In a recent ruling, the High Court of Karnataka has granted permission to the State Government to conduct board exams for classes 5, 8, 9, and 11 for the academic year 2023-24. The division bench, comprising Justice K. Somashekar and Justice Rajesh Rai K., directed the government to resume the halted exams for classes 5, 8, and 9, and complete the evaluation process for class 11 exams. Additionally, the court mandated the government to engage in consultations with stakeholders before issuing notifications for the next academic year’s board exams.

This decision overturns the earlier judgment of a single judge who had quashed the government’s decision to conduct these exams, citing procedural irregularities. The division bench clarified that the notifications for board exams are to be considered as guidelines under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, thereby allowing the government to proceed with its plans.