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KARACHI: Cambridge Assessment International Examinations for Advanced Level (A-Level) have commenced from Monday (today) with strict coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place across the country.
Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood extended good wishes to the appearing candidates. He said that these are tough times and difficult decisions have been made keeping the best interest of the students.
“These are tough times and difficult decisions have been made keeping the students best interest in view,” the minister said. “British Council is committed to strict implementation of SOPs and we will monitor them closely. Good Luck.”
Regarding the AS Level, the minister said he has asked Cambridge authorities to reconsider the 13-month condition for taking the remaining papers considering the extraordinary situation. He hoped that a positive decision will come soon.
Wishing all students taking exams starting from today, the very best. These are tough times and difficult decisions have been made keeping the students best interest in view. British Council is committed to strict implementation of SOPs and we will monitor them closely. Good Luck
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 26, 2021
Last week, the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Lahore High Court (LHC) and Sindh High Court (SHC) had dismissed as non-maintainable a writ petition seeking cancellation of in-person O and A level exams.
The British Council has announced precautionary measures for students, venue staff, and invigilators. The venues will be sanitised before exams; desks should be placed at a distance of two metres; mandatory temperature checks for all; staff members must wear masks and sanitisers and disinfectant wipes should be available.
— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) April 25, 2021
The are strict SOPs for candidates who mist be informed about early arrival and late departure to ensure social distancing and crowd control. Candidates will require quick scanning and ID check. Candidates will directly enter exam halls and wait at their designated desks and they will be no waiting areas for candidates. All candidates must be wearing masks and must exit in batches with a five-minute gap.
The SOPs for staff include wearing masks, using gloves while handing over questions papers and answer booklets, and regular use of hand sanitiser. They must ensure social distancing while performing their duties. Only one staff member will travel in a vehicle along with a driver.
