Chennai: With the Class 10 public examinations scheduled to commence on March 11, students and teachers across Tamil Nadu have raised concerns over the back-to-back revision and mock tests being conducted in the run-up to the board exams.

According to school heads and teachers from various districts, the schedule of successive revision examinations has left little breathing space for students to prepare effectively. The first revision test was followed by a second within a gap of just four days, which concluded on February 10. The third revision examination has now been scheduled from February 17 to 21.

Adding to the concerns, February 21 falls on a Saturday, a non-working day for many schools, while February 18 coincides with Ash Wednesday. Despite this, examinations are slated to be conducted on those days as well.

Immediately after the third revision test, practical examinations for Class 10 students are scheduled between February 23 and 27, followed by mock examinations. Teachers say the tight schedule has created academic pressure on students and administrative strain on schools.

Headmasters have pointed out that the compressed timeline leaves little opportunity for teachers to evaluate answer sheets, provide feedback, and help students improve before the final public examination. In previous years, revision tests were reportedly scheduled with better spacing, allowing time for assessment and remedial coaching.

School authorities have urged the Education Department to reconsider the timetable and consult headmasters while finalising such schedules. They say a more balanced plan would help students revise calmly and enable teachers to complete evaluation work efficiently.

With lakhs of students preparing for the crucial public examinations, stakeholders have called for measures to ease stress and ensure effective academic preparation across the State.