CBSE Overhauls Grading System: Embracing Grade Points, Farewell to Percentages in 10th and 12th Marks

In a notable departure from its traditional reporting methodology, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to cease the disclosure of aggregate percentage marks, divisions (first, second, or third), and distinctions in the results of class 10th and 12th board examinations. Effective from the upcoming academic year, the board will exclusively furnish Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) information in the result sheets.

CBSE Transitions to Individualized Grading: A Shift Towards Holistic Assessment

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently announced a pivotal decision to shift its focus towards evaluating the individual performance of students in each subject, thereby discontinuing the traditional practice of providing overall percentage marks in class 10th and 12th board exam results. Shedding light on this transformative move, CBSE’s Examination Controller, Sanyam Bhardwaj, stated that the objective is to move away from the conventional grading system that relies on aggregating marks across subjects to determine an overall percentage.

Under the new approach, the emphasis will be on assessing how a student has performed in each specific subject. This signifies a departure from the cumulative percentage calculation and, instead, introduces a more detailed evaluation of a student’s proficiency in individual subjects. The outcome of this shift is reflected in the replacement of overall percentages with separate grades assigned for each subject, with the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) being derived from their collective average.

Sanyam Bhardwaj highlighted the advantages of this revised grading system, stating that it streamlines the admission process for educational institutes. By adopting a uniform grading scale, there is no longer a need for institutions to convert percentages into alternative units when preparing merit lists. This streamlined approach simplifies the admission procedure, ensuring a seamless transition from the board examination results to the admission criteria of various educational institutions.

The move towards individualized grading not only aligns with global educational trends but also addresses the evolving needs of educational stakeholders. The emphasis on subject-specific performance fosters a more nuanced understanding of a student’s capabilities, recognizing and rewarding excellence on a subject-by-subject basis. This approach is expected to contribute to a more comprehensive and equitable assessment of academic achievements.

Flexibility in Percentage Calculation: CBSE Allows Institute Autonomy in Admission Criteria

In a bid to enhance flexibility and cater to the diverse admission requirements of educational institutions, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new provision that allows institutes the autonomy to calculate percentages based on individual student performance. Shedding light on this development, CBSE’s Examination Controller, Sanyam Bhardwaj, explained that the move is designed to break away from the one-size-fits-all approach and empower institutes to tailor their admission criteria.

Under this revised system, for students who have taken more than five subjects, the institution has the discretion to calculate the percentage based on the best five subjects chosen by the student. This ensures a more nuanced evaluation, considering the strengths and preferences of the individual student. However, the responsibility of determining admission criteria based on these calculated percentages lies squarely with the respective educational institution.

Moreover, in instances where the institute deems percentage calculation essential for the admission process, the best of five subjects will be selected from the subjects chosen by the student, and the corresponding grade will be used to calculate the percentage. This approach provides a balanced solution, offering institutes the flexibility they need while maintaining a standardized grading framework.

Sanyam Bhardwaj emphasized that the decision to implement these changes was prompted by numerous requests received by the CBSE, urging clarification on percentage calculation criteria for board exam results. The subsequent change in the grading methodology represents a responsive approach to addressing the concerns and suggestions put forth by stakeholders within the education community.

Commendations from Academic Experts: CBSE’s Decision Applauded for Fostering Children’s Mental Health

The recent decision by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to revise its grading system has garnered praise from academic experts who assert that positive strides have been taken to safeguard the mental well-being of students. Acknowledging the significance of this decision, Sanyogita Sharma, Director of Manav Rachna International School, Faridabad, commended CBSE for alleviating the pressure on students and creating an environment conducive to overall well-rounded learning.

Experts in the academic domain have deemed CBSE’s decision as apt and aligned with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The shared goal of making education more enjoyable and straightforward for children is evident in both the NEP 2020 and CBSE’s recent initiative. Recognizing the profound impact that exams and results have on the mental health of students, this decision is viewed as a positive stride towards fostering a healthier educational environment.

Sanyogita Sharma specifically highlighted the potential reduction in pressure on children to excel in results, emphasizing the positive impact this change could have on their mental well-being. By shifting the focus from mere marks to an inclusive assessment approach, students are expected to engage more meaningfully with their education, promoting a holistic learning experience.

This alignment with the principles of the NEP 2020 signifies a broader commitment to redefining the educational landscape in India. The emphasis on making education enjoyable and less stressful reflects an understanding of the multifaceted nature of learning and the importance of nurturing the mental health of students.

Opts Out of Merit List Release and Topper Announcements in 2023 Results

In a bid to alleviate the pressure associated with academic performance, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) took a commendable step in 2023 by refraining from releasing a merit list and withholding the announcement of toppers for both the 10th and 12th-grade results. This move represents a strategic departure from conventional practices, emphasizing the board’s commitment to fostering a more supportive and inclusive educational environment.

CBSE Announces Extended Duration for 2024 Board Exams: A 55-Day Academic Marathon

In a significant development, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled plans for an extended examination period for the 2024 board exams. As per the official notification issued in July 2023, the board exams for class 10th and 12th are scheduled to span an expansive 55 days, signifying a notable duration compared to previous examination cycles.

For the academic year 2024, the class 10th board exams are slated to commence on 15th February, while the class 12th exams will kick off on 17th February. The comprehensive examination schedule reflects the meticulous planning undertaken by CBSE to ensure a fair and conducive testing environment for students. The extended timeframe is designed to accommodate the various subjects included in the curriculum while allowing students ample time for preparation and optimal performance.

The class 10th board exams are set to conclude on 21st March, with the last paper marking the culmination of this segment of the examinations. Following suit, the class 12th exams are scheduled to conclude on 10th April, providing students with a thorough evaluation across the diverse subjects in the higher secondary curriculum.