DUBAI // Schools were seeking an explanation yesterday after a mathematics examination proved so difficult that it left many 12th grade students in panic. Several students who took the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) paper contacted The National saying that Monday's exam was "extremely tough" and out of syllabus, and had left them fearing for their futures. "All schools have made a representation to the CBSE board on this matter," said Ashok Kumar, the chief executive of Indian High School and a member of the governing body of the CBSE. "Many students could not complete the paper on time." Similar problems were reported in India.
A lot of the students, mostly 17, were relying on good marks to get them into college. A science student from Indian High School said: "All of us were lost. We did not know what to do after getting out of the exam hall. If we fail in these exams, it means the end of our life." A woman whose daughter studies at the school said: "If students are given such a tough time, how can they cope?" A student from Our Own High School said: "When I saw the paper, I felt I could solve it. However, as I started doing it I realised it was complicated. My body went numb and my confidence was drained."
The CBSE will wait until the end of all its examinations before reviewing the complaints. pmenon@thenational.ae
