Heavy Rain Hits Kerala: SET and Equivalency Exams Postponed

Thiruvananthapuram, August 1: In view of the heavy rain battering several parts of Kerala, the State Eligibility Test (SET) scheduled for Sunday (August 2) has been postponed by the government. The revised examination date will be announced later, according to an official release.

Candidates who were set to appear for the SET are advised to regularly visit the official website of the LBS Centre for Science and Technology, the nodal agency conducting the exam, for updates on the new schedule. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of candidates and examination staff, especially in districts receiving extremely heavy rainfall.

In a related move, the General Education department’s higher secondary wing has also postponed the equivalency examination that was scheduled for Sunday. This exam allows students who have studied through open schooling or alternative systems to obtain equivalence certification. The new date for this exam too will be communicated later.

The postponement comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in Kerala, predicting isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. The state has been experiencing intense monsoon showers over the past week, leading to waterlogging in many low-lying areas and disruption of transport services. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.

For thousands of candidates, the SET is a crucial qualifying examination for appointment as teachers in higher secondary schools in Kerala. Many aspirants travel from different parts of the state to reach examination centres. With the prevailing weather conditions, the government’s decision to postpone the exam has been widely welcomed by student organisations and teacher unions, who had appealed for a deferment citing safety concerns.

The LBS Centre for Science and Technology has not yet indicated a fresh date. In previous instances of natural calamities, exams have been rescheduled and conducted within a few weeks. Candidates are advised to keep their admit cards ready and monitor official channels for the revised timetable.

The equivalency examination, meanwhile, is meant for students who have completed their schooling through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or state open schools and wish to have their qualifications recognised at par with the regular stream. Its postponement is also expected to be temporary.

Meanwhile, the state government has opened control rooms in all districts to coordinate relief and rescue operations. The Disaster Management Authority has advised people in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant. As Kerala continues to battle the monsoon fury, the priority remains the safety of citizens, and the examination authorities have aligned their decisions with this principle.

All affected candidates are advised to stay indoors and not venture out unless necessary. Further official announcements regarding the revised dates will be made on the LBS Centre website (lbsedp.lbscentre.in) and through the General Education department’s official channels.