Mangaluru: As many as 29,397 students will appear for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examinations in Dakshina Kannada district this year. The examinations will begin on Wednesday and will be conducted across 92 examination centres, with education authorities stating that all necessary preparations have been completed.
According to Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) GS Shashidhar, the district has made extensive arrangements to ensure that the examinations are conducted smoothly and fairly. The exams will continue until April 2.
Officials said that strict monitoring measures, including CCTV surveillance and webcasting, have been put in place to prevent malpractice and maintain transparency during the examination process.
Over 27,000 regular candidates appearing
Of the total 29,397 candidates registered for the SSLC examination in the district, 27,633 are regular fresh candidates studying in high schools.
These students are from 524 high schools across Dakshina Kannada district. In addition to them, a number of repeaters and private candidates will also appear for the examination this year.
Officials said the remaining candidates include 979 private candidates, 632 school repeaters and 153 private coaching repeaters.
Education department officials noted that the large number of candidates reflects the scale of the examination, which is one of the most important milestones in a student’s academic journey in Karnataka.
Bantwal records highest number of candidates
Among the various education blocks in the district, the highest number of SSLC candidates are from the Bantwal Block Education Officer (BEO) limits.
This is followed by the Mangaluru South and Mangaluru North education blocks, which also have a significant number of students appearing for the examination.
Officials said the distribution of candidates across blocks has been carefully considered while allocating examination centres to ensure smooth management of the examination process.
Strict monitoring with CCTV and webcasting
Authorities have introduced several monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the examinations are conducted in a transparent and fair manner.
According to officials, around 1,800 CCTV cameras have been installed across the 92 examination centres in the district. These cameras will help authorities closely monitor activities during the examinations.
In addition, webcasting arrangements have been made at examination centres so that the conduct of the examinations can be monitored remotely by education department officials.
These measures are aimed at preventing any form of malpractice and ensuring that the examination process remains credible.
Seating arrangements and facilities for students
Education authorities have also made arrangements to ensure a comfortable and organised environment for students appearing for the examinations.
Each classroom will accommodate 24 students to maintain proper spacing and supervision during the exam.
Officials have also inspected examination centres to ensure the availability of essential facilities. Special arrangements have been made for children with special needs, including ground-floor seating to ensure easier access and convenience.
Authorities said these measures are intended to create an inclusive and stress-free environment for all candidates.
SSLC helpline receives positive response
Meanwhile, the SSLC helpline launched earlier this month has received a good response from both students and parents.
Laxminarayan, nodal officer for the SSLC examination in Dakshina Kannada, said the helpline has been actively assisting candidates with various queries and concerns.
Many calls received by the helpline were related to subject doubts and clarifications regarding the blueprint question paper pattern expected in the examinations.
Parents also contacted the helpline seeking information and guidance regarding examination procedures.
Counselling support provided to anxious student
Officials said the helpline also played an important role in supporting a student who was experiencing anxiety ahead of the examination.
The student reached out for help and was subsequently referred to the district health officer. Arrangements were made to provide counselling and the necessary support to help the student cope with examination stress.
Education department officials said such initiatives are important in addressing the mental well-being of students during examination periods.
Concern over exam centre distance for special candidate
The helpline also received a complaint from a differently abled candidate who had been allotted an examination centre located far from their residence.
Officials explained that differently abled candidates who are not attached to any particular high school are allotted examination centres through an online process.
Following the complaint, the matter has been communicated to the department with a suggestion that such candidates be assigned centres closer to their homes in future.
Authorities said the issue will be considered while planning examination centre allocation for the next academic year.
Conclusion
With more than 29,000 students preparing to appear for the SSLC examinations in Dakshina Kannada, education authorities have implemented comprehensive arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the exams.
From strict monitoring systems and CCTV surveillance to helpline support and special facilities for differently abled candidates, officials hope the measures will help maintain fairness and support students during this important academic milestone.