In a groundbreaking move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially declared that students appearing for the class 10 and 12 board examinations will not receive any overall division, distinction, or aggregate. Dr Sanyam Bharadwaj, CBSE Controller of Examinations, revealed the criteria for percentage calculation in response to prevalent requests.
As outlined in the official press release, sub-section 40.1 (iii) of Chapter 7 in the examination bylaws unequivocally states the absence of overall divisions, distinctions, or aggregates. The responsibility of selecting the best five subjects, in the case of candidates opting for more than five, lies with the admitting institution or employer.
Contrary to traditional practices, the CBSE clarified that it will not calculate, inform, or declare the percentage of marks. This task will be undertaken by the admitting institution or employer if required for further education or employment purposes.
The move to eliminate divisions or distinctions aligns with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This decision aims to reduce academic pressure, foster a holistic approach to education, and address concerns related to the adverse impact of high-stakes exams on students’ mental well-being.
By shifting the focus from exam-centric performance to comprehensive learning, CBSE endeavors to create a more balanced educational environment that discourages rote learning. Additionally, this decision has the potential to alleviate the intense competition prevalent during board exams.
Sanyogita Sharma, Director of Manav Rachna International Schools, voiced her support for the decision. She acknowledged potential concerns but emphasized that explicit instructions on evaluating performance indicators could benefit every student. Sharma also approved of the provision allowing the selection of the top five subjects for admission purposes when a candidate has taken more than five subjects.
