What does this postponement mean for SSC 2022 examinees?

Following the deteriorating flood situation throughout the country, this year's SSC and equivalent exams have been indefinitely postponed until further notice. While the news did come as a shock to most, it certainly is a step in the right direction.

Due to incessant rainfall and flooding, citizens in various regions around the country are in dire straits. Thousands have been forced into temporary shelters after their homes, schools, and offices submerged under water. Moreover, communication lines and electricity supply have also been abruptly cut off in different areas.

It was only a matter of time before the SSC examination — which was set to begin on June 19 — was postponed.

But what does this signal for the thousands of awaiting examinees?

The students of SSC batch 2022 spent the better half of classes 9 and 10 amidst lockdowns and online classes. Those who couldn't attend those classes have been struggling to keep up with their peers, so the postponement will most definitely act as an advantage to them.

For those who have the means to, pushing back the exam invariably translates to more time for studying and quality revision. Those who were forced to skip certain parts of the syllabi due to a lack of time can utilise this added period of time in a positive light. For others, regularly solving test papers can be an effective way to retain information and learn how to pace themselves for the actual exam.

Furthermore, students can perhaps afford to kick back and relax for a while. The constant stress associated with board exams isn't easy on the examinees' mental and physical well-being. Catching a break right before an important exam isn't common, so it is best to make good use of it while it lasts.

As expected, many have taken to social media to express their outrage and dissatisfaction after the postponement was announced. This was also because the SSC and equivalent exams, which are traditionally over by February, had already been delayed to mid-July.

While their sentiments are not uncalled for, it is also important to realise the struggles of those who have been directly affected by the flood. Examinees from Sylhet and neighbouring areas have been suffering for multiple days now. Lives and resources are also being lost by the minute.

If this situation does not improve any time soon, the government may have to opt for assigning predicted grades based on our JSC examination. It is likely that a large number of students will be unable to obtain their desired marks and grades if that does happen. But without any alternatives, that might be the eventual conclusion we come to.

Waiting in anticipation for the authorities to publish a new routine at a later date can be stressful and frightening. But for now, the best course of action would be to continue preparing for the exams to the best of one's ability without worrying about the impending implications.

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