Srinagar, October 19: More than 97,500 students are appearing in the Class 10 annual examinations across Jammu and Kashmir, with around 1,003 examination centres established across the Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Secretary Sheikh Ghulam Hassan said on Monday.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the JKBOSE Secretary said examination centres have been set up across all 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley, seven districts of the Jammu division, and Leh and Kargil.

He expressed confidence that the examinations would be conducted smoothly, saying students were appearing in a positive atmosphere and expressing hope for their good performance.

Highlighting the arrangements for Children with Special Needs (CWSN), Hassan said the board had put in place special facilities to ensure that such candidates could take their examinations without unnecessary difficulties. A dedicated examination centre has also been established at the JKBOSE office.

He said eligible candidates with special needs are provided a relaxation of five marks in the passing criteria, an additional 20 minutes to complete their papers, and scribes wherever required, depending on the nature of their disabilities.

Hassan reiterated the board’s commitment to facilitating inclusive education and ensuring that students with disabilities get the necessary support to pursue their academic goals.

He further said decisions concerning examination arrangements and reforms were taken collectively after consultations with officers, joint secretaries and deputy secretaries to ensure the effective conduct of examinations.

“Our effort is to ensure that stakeholders, especially students, do not face any problems and can continue their academic journey,” he said.

The Class 10 annual examinations are being held across Jammu and Kashmir with arrangements in place to ensure their smooth and hassle-free conduct.