In the aftermath of the release of the 2005 Fiji Junior Certificate (FJC) results, a narrative unfolded concerning approximately 200 students who received zeros in their assessments.

On January 20, 2006, The Fiji Times reported Ram Chandar, the Education Ministry’s deputy secretary professional, had disclosed that those who obtained zeros had failed to submit their work on time.

According to the article, he clarified that the students were assessed on practical components at the form three level, and even if they advanced to form four, their incomplete form three practical work resulted in zeros.

Mr Chandar highlighted the meticulous process of project evaluation, involving assessments by teachers at both school and district levels, followed by scrutiny from the Curriculum Development Unit.

According to the article, Mr Chandar stated “Reminders have been given to the schools to submit their course work in time. Its laxity on the part of the student and teachers, both have to be blamed.”

Agni Deo Singh, the Fiji Teachers Union general secretary, voiced scepticism regarding the reliability of the FJC results.

The article stated that he questioned the occurrence of students receiving zeros in continuous assessment, suggesting potential errors in the grading system.