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Between unbending Exams and Life-disruptive Emergencies: Rethinking Exam Policies Through a Humane Framework

ABSTARCT:

The rigid examination policies of Nepal’s education system, especially during board exams, impose oppressive burden on students, forcing them to endure the weight of personal tragedies—serious illnesses, family bereavements, natural disasters, or unforeseen emergencies—while navigating an academic labyrinth that offers no concessions, no reprieve, and no alternative paths forward. These policies, devoid of flexibility or compassion, compel students to choose between exams under distressing circumstances or facing significant delays in their education, leaving their mental health, motivation, and futures in precarious limbo.


Through heart-rending case studies, the research unveils the harrowing actualities of students grappling with personal loss or debilitating conditions while striving to meet inflexible academic demands, their well-being sacrificed on the altar of a draconian system. It calls for urgent policy reforms—emergency examinations, internal evaluations, and attendance waivers—to ensure fairness, alleviate undue stress, and protect the fragile intersection of academic integrity and human complexity.


The study proposes a precisely structured framework, ideating clear documentation requirements, transparent application procedures, and an oversight committee dedicated to verifying and addressing emergencies with precision and equity. By accepting such measures, Nepal’s education system can transform into one that not only upholds academic rigor but also safeguards the emotional and educational futures of its students, aligning itself with global principles of fairness, empathy, and progress.