March 25, 2013, 12:00 am
In a heartwarming trend, the number of children with physical or other challenges appearing for class 10 and 12 exams under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2013 increased as compared to 2012 in the northern region.
The region includes Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana,
Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, while these special children include the visually impaired, dyslexic, hearing and speech impaired, physically handicapped and spastics.
This year in class 10, the number of such students was 3,051, compared to last year’s 2,881. In class 12, the number went to 2,418 this year as compared to 1,783 of 2012.
CBSE regional officer RJ Khanderao said, "The board has made some revisions in the examination structure for the special children, making it more friendly, which has motivated these students. Also, this is a sign that seeing other students working hard, these kids also demand equal education now."
Overall, there has been a rise of 7.15% in boys appearing in the class 10 boards from the region, while there is a rise of 6.06% among girls. In class 12, there is a rise of 15.59% among boys and 15.39% among girls.
Special students (physically or otherwise challenged)
Class 10 2012 2013 Rise
Candidates 2,881 3,051 1.7%
Class 12
Candidates 1,783 2,418 6.3%
General students
Class 10 2012 2013 Rise
Candidates 11.8 lakh 12.6 lakh 6.7%
Class 12
Candidates 8.15 lakh 9.4 lakh 15.5%
