Schools are flooded with queries from parents and students on whether CBSE and ICSE board exams will be held on schedule as Covid-19 cases are rising across the country.

The CBSE Classes X and XII, ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) theory papers are scheduled to start on May 4.

Several school heads said the preparation for the exams was on across schools but there was an “increasing uneasiness” among the students and teachers.

For both ICSE and ISC exams, admit cards have been distributed, answer sheets have reached schools and invigilation rosters across schools are ready. Question papers usually come 10 days before the start of the exam, at least two principals said.

For CBSE Classes X and XII, schools are yet to receive a communication from the board regarding exam centres.

“We are receiving queries from mostly Class X examinees. We have sent a message to parents that students should continue with their preparation...,” said Meena Kak, the director of Lakshmipat Singhania Academy.

Class XII practical exams for both boards are under way in many schools. A few schools had to reschedule the exams for students who were in quarantine.

“There is an increasing sense of uneasiness as the days of exams are drawing near,” said Amita Prasad, the director of Indus Valley World School.

Sujoy Biswas, the principal of Rammohan Mission High School, said teachers have been asked to tell students and parents to concentrate on the exams and preparations.

“In the run up to the boards, our teachers are asking parents to let the students focus on exams and follow the SOPs so that they remain healthy before the exams,” he said.

In some schools the seating arrangements have also been decided.

“We are ready with all the preparations for the boards — from answer sheets to invigilation roster. But simultaneously we are having to talk to parents also who have various questions about the exams,” said Bobby Baxter, the principal of Julien Day School Ganganagar.

The CBSE is yet to communicate about exam centres but it has informed about the number of students who will appear from a school, a head said.

Rita Chatterjee, the director of North Point Senior Secondary School, said: “We will have 12 students in one room and have readied our invigilation roster likewise.”.

In meetings of schools, teachers have raised queries on the conduct of the examinations when cases are rising.

“There is uncertainty because of the rise in the number of infections...,” said Suvina Shunglu, the principal of Sri Sri Academy