Child psychologist Jitendra Nagpal disagreed.

'The decision can be a problem for the students later because now they will sit for the first public examination in Class 12, which decides their career. It could be very stressing.

'This will bring a lot of challenge for the students. Many might find that they are unable to face the stress when they prepare for Class 12 (exam).'

Agreed Kanika Chatwal, a Class 11 student in a private school, agreed.

'Its not good. Now students have to face Class 12 exams directly. It will affect their confidence which we get after giving the Class 10 board,' Chatwal said.

Sibal had last month announced that the government would do away with the Class 10 Board exams and make it optional from this academic year. But on Monday he clarified that his ministry did not want to burden the students with something new in the middle of the academic session.

This is why the Board exams will be held this year even as a grading system will be introduced to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

However, the students would still have the option to evaluate themselves on the marks system, he said.

'There will be no (Board) examination but students who want to evaluate themselves can take an examination on demand.

'Students who take the examination will get a certificate from CBSE. But I believe a majority will not like to go for it.

'If a student wants to shift to a different Board other than CBSE or wants to join pre-university degree (junior college), he or she can take an examination by demanding it through his school. The certificate thereafter can be used for the above purpose,' Sibal explained.

'This examination on demand can be conducted both online and offline. I believe this (new system) will free the students from the stress attached to the board examination preparations.'