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The recent decision in favour of cancellation of the postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination, following demands from a segment of students in the capital, raises significant concerns. This examination was crucial for 1.4 million students, and it is perplexing how justified it is to annul the HSC exam based on the pressure from a few hundred students without a broader consultation.

A swift online survey could be conducted to gauge whether students at large support the cancellation. The incident of intrusion into the secretariat and the realisation of demands under duress is unjustifiable. Students argued that the cancellation was necessary because examinees were not mentally prepared and many were still experiencing trauma. While these concerns are valid, and the exam has already been postponed, the necessity of outright cancellation remains unclear. Students could have requested additional time rather than calling for cancellation.

Cancelling exams under such pressure contradicts the very principles of the recently successful anti-discrimination student movement. This movement, which has seen many students and ordinary citizens sacrifice their lives in the fight for merit-based evaluation, rule of law, and an end to coercion, should not be undermined by yielding to undue pressure. If previous patterns of yielding to pressure continue, it diminishes the value of the sacrifices made by many.

How can merit be assessed without proper testing? It is crucial for the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement to ensure that students respect the rule of law and uphold the value of the examination process.