In the wake of confusion over SSLC preparatory exams, the Dept. of Public Instructions has cancelled the examinations. The examinations had begun on Monday and the Karnataka High School Headmasters’ Association, the organisers of the exam, conducted in the old question paper pattern.

As per the old guidelines, the answer sheets and question papers were part of one booklet. But the new rules, which came into effect this year, state they should be given separately. There are several bodies that set the preparatory exam papers and only the schools that received papers set by the Headmasters’ Assn. received the papers that were in the old format. Question papers in the old pattern for the preparatory exam has confused students about whether the final exams will follow the new pattern or old.

According to a circular issued by the Commissioner, Department of Public Instructions, the exams, that were supposed to go on till Saturday (Mar. 11) stands cancelled.

Meanwhile, the Department is planning to ensure that the preparatory exam is conducted by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board.

The Department will also issue a notice to the Karnataka High School Headmasters’ Association for conducting the preparatory examinations in the old question paper pattern, without their permission.