THE Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Peshawar (BISEP) has decided to conduct Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in March, which coincides with the fasting month of Ramazan. The decision has created panic among the province’s students and teachers alike.

This year, due to the unavailability of textbooks, the academic session in the summer zone had started in September instead of Aug 15. The delay forced the students to complete the syllabus within a compressed timeframe.

Additionally, schools in the winter zone have been closed since Dec 22. Now, conducting exams in March will further reduce the preparation period.

Also, in some districts, snow will make travel difficult during Ramazan. The combination of fasting and harsh weather conditions could adversely affect students’ performance.

Moreover, examination staff travelling from remote areas may also face difficulties while fasting, and their stay at resp-ective schools may create issues related to Iftar and Sehri arrangements. Indeed, this would be a costly affair for them, too.

Similarly, students from rural areas may also face difficulty in travelling as local transport in hilly regions generally starts late during Ramazan. Those who attend schools in other districts may find it challenging to travel home for Eid and return immediately for practical exams after the festival.

Fasting during Ramazan may impact students’ focus and energy levels, ham-pering their performance. Late-night study after Taraweeh prayers can also disrupt students’ sleep, affecting their physical and mental health.

Exams during Ramazan can increase stress and anxiety among the students. It may also invite criticism against the government for distracting students and teachers from their religious duties.

Given these challenges posed during winter season, the government should reschedule the examination to provide students and teachers with a fair and supportive environment to fulfil their academic and religious obligations.

Mir Mazhar-ud-Din
Upper Dir

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2025