Bomb of a question in CBSE class 12 exam leaves parents outraged

A short essay question in the class twelve CBSE exam has left parents outraged. The offending question: You witnessed a bomb blast in a Delhi market when you went there for shopping with your parents for Diwali purchases. Describe your report in 100 to 150 words.

The question, part of the core section of the English exam, left many parents perturbed about whether it was an appropriate  one to pose for students. Parents felt the question was insensitive as it asked students to imagine what a traumatic and violent situation was like.

“There are families who have lost their loved ones in bomb blasts. It’s extremely insensitive to include such incidents,” said Ajay Suri, a businessman, whose daughter sat the exam told the Hindustan Times .

However some teachers and educationists felt it was not a serious issue.

“Parents need to lighten up a little and stop nit-picking. Children get more worried because of such reactions,” said Ameeta Wattal, vice-chairperson, National Progressive School Conference in the same report.

Board exams are a crucial part of the Indian school education system.

Most students strive hard to score high marks in the exams as they are crucial in determining which colleges accept them. Stress, depression and sometimes suicide among students are common stories that are linked to the Board exams in India. The system is often seen as being too rigid.

Do you believe the CBSE was being insensitive by asking such a question? Or are people just analysing a question paper too much?

You can see our slideshow on students getting ready to give their first exam by clicking here .