The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations on Friday advised ICSE schools to follow the directives of the respective state governments in regard to promotion of all students from Classes I to VIII.

The Bengal government has said all students from Class I to VIII in aided schools will be promoted this year. It, however, has not made it clear whether the order would apply to ICSE schools.

The principal of an ICSE school in Calcutta said the council’s advisory was not likely to apply to schools in Bengal because most institutions had prepared the results of the annual exams.

Most ICSE schools in Bengal had held their annual exams in February and prepared the report cards by March 16, the day the schools were closed down to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“In view of the... global spread of the Novel Corona Virus... some State Governments have issued directives to Schools in their respective States, regarding the promotion of all students of Classes I to VIII. You are hereby advised to kindly follow the directives of the State Government accordingly,” the council notice reads.

“The schools have to follow the directive of the respective state governments,” said Gerry Arathoon, chief executive and secretary of the council.