The demand for this has been pending with the MSBSHSE for a long time. Chairman of the board Vijaysheela Sardesai on Thursday said that within the next ten days, the board would send a proposal to the state government to conduct these exams from the next academic year.

At present, the students who fail even only in one subject have to lose one academic year as the repeaters’ exams are conducted in October. “With the supplementary exam in place, such students will benefit,” said Sardesai.

However, if the board takes decision to conduct the supplementary exam, it will have to cancel the October exam. “The MSBSHSE statutes clearly mentions that the board shall conduct only two exams — in March and October. The state government will have to make amendment in the act to implement the supplementary exam,” said Sardesai.

In this case, if a student could not clear the subject in supplementary exam, he/she will have to wait till March to reappear. The same will be applicable to students who fail in two or more subjects, as the supplementary exam can be taken only by those who fail in one subject.

“We practically cannot conduct three exams a year. We will have to do away with the October exams. If the supplementary exam is to be conducted, it will be conducted on one day simultanously for all subjects. The students will appear for the paper in which he/she has failed,” said Sardesai.

A section of teachers is not happy with the move as they argue that it would reduce the teaching days. “As the exam will be conducted in July and result will be out in August, it will take away that time from the teachers,” teachers argue.

Sardesai said the board would talk to the teachers’ representatives on the issue. “We will try to conduct the exam earlier and results will also be out earlier. That can ease the pressure on teachers,” she said.