The Delhi government gave clearance to all schools to reopen for Classes 10 and 12 from January 18 due to the board exams, reported PTI, quoting the Directorate of Education.

While physical attendance is not compulsory, students will attend schools only with consent of parents and  schools will follow all COVID-19 guidelines.

A senior official at the Directorate of Education (DoE) said, “In order to conduct activities pertaining to pre-board preparations and practical work, the head of government, aided and unaided recognised schools may call students of Classes 10 and 12 only to school with effect from January 18, 2021.”

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He added that a child should be called to school only with the consent of parents and following standard operating procedures.

According to the official, while records will be maintained of children coming to school, the same should not be used for attendance purposes as sending a child to school is completely optional for parents.

Schools in Delhi have been shut since March last year to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. While several states had partially reopened schools after October, this will be the first time in 10 months that students in the national capital will return to their campuses. Students have been attending classes online.