Bhatkal: The first annual examination for Class 10 SSLC commenced in 2,750 examination centers across Karnataka on Monday, March 25. On the first day, exams for the first languages including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, Urdu, English, and Sanskrit were held from 10:15 AM to 1:30 PM.

In Bhatkal, a total of 2,336 students were registered to take the SSLC exam across eight centers: Islamia Anglo Urdu High School, Anjuman Girls High School (Basti Road), New English School, Anand Ashram Convent School, Sonarkeri Kannada School, Belke Government School, Shirali Janata Vidyalaya, and Bina Vaidya School Murdeshwar.

According to VD Moger, the Block Education Officer (BEO), a total of 18 students were absent on the first day, including 16 private and repeater candidates, along with two freshers who are girl students.

To ensure the exams proceeded smoothly and securely, adequate police arrangements were in place outside the examination centers. Furthermore, CCTV cameras were installed to deter and detect malpractice. Additionally, a 200-meter radius around the examination centers was declared a restricted zone.

The report also highlights the provision of free travel on government NWKRTC buses for students coming from distant places. By showing their exam hall tickets, students could avail themselves of this facility to commute to and from their examination centers.

Notably, the state government has introduced a provision this year allowing students up to three attempts to pass the SSLC exam or improve their scores. Should a student fail on their first try, they can retake the exam during the second session from June 12 to June 19 or a third session from July 3 to August 5. The initiative aims to provide ample opportunities for students to succeed in their SSLC examinations. The first round of exams began on March 25 and will conclude on April 6.