Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, March 4: More than 12,500 students were absent across Karnataka on the second day of the II PU examinations held on Monday for the Mathematics paper.

No cases of malpractice were reported at any of the examination centres. Officials stated that the implementation of web streaming for exams from 2024 onwards had played a key role in preventing malpractice.

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According to officials, the rise in absentee numbers was largely attributed to the option for students to appear for up to two more exams if they feel unprepared. "As there is a provision for students to appear for two additional exams if they are not confident in their preparation, they may choose to skip certain exams," an official explained.

The highest number of absentees was reported from Bengaluru South, with 1,510 students absent, followed by Raichur at 1,058 and Vijayapura at 1,010. In contrast, Bengaluru Rural had the lowest number of absentees, at just 79, followed by Chamarajanagar with 80 and Hassan with 119.

Students who attended the examination shared mixed views on the paper. Some noted that the exam was not particularly difficult, though certain questions were considered tricky and required more time.

"A few questions were very tricky and needed more time," one student remarked. Another student added, "Overall, the paper was easy to score. However, some one- and two-mark questions were very tricky and required a bit more application of the mind."

The flexible exam system allowing for additional chances has sparked a conversation about whether it may encourage students to skip exams unnecessarily.