LAHORE: The British Council has released Covid-19 protocols for A-Level exams being held in the first week of May.

The British Council on Saturday issued a news release stating that due to increasing concerns across the country regarding the continuing spread of Covid-19, the Pakistani government has made the decision to cancel Cambridge International’s June 2021 O Level and IGCSE exams for both school and private candidates. However, it confirmed that Cambridge International A-Level exams would go ahead, to make sure candidates can progress with their education beyond school.”

The British Council has established 17 examination centres in Lahore. There will be a two-meter distance between students. After exam, students would be allowed to leave the hall one by one in groups. Students’ temperature will be taken outside examination centres.

The Education Ministry has asked the British Council to implement Covid-19 SOPs. The ministry also directed the council to provide masks and hand sanitizers at the examination centres.

Now, after the education minister announced O Level and A Level exams are being put off till the October/November session and AS Level exams will continue as scheduled, Cambridge students are demanding that the minister approach the UK examination board to allow Pakistani students to opt for school assessed grades.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2021