CBSE announces not awarding any division or distinction in Class X and XII board exams
Assessments of HSC answer sheets begins following teachers' withdrawal from strike
By: Pune Pulse
December 1, 2023
Pune: In an official press release, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students taking the class 10 and 12 board examinations will not be awarded any overall division, distinction, or aggregate.
Dr Sanyam Bharadwaj, CBSE Controller of Examinations, has officially announced the criteria for calculating the percentage of students writing the Board’s examination in response to the requests received.
As stated in the press release, the examination bylaws, specifically sub-section 40.1 (iii) of Chapter -7, clearly state that there will be no allocation of an overall division, distinction, or aggregate.
The CBSE has also stated that in the case where a candidate has chosen more than five subjects, the responsibility of selecting the best five subjects rests with the institution or employer to which the candidate is seeking admission.
Furthermore, the press release made it clear that the board does not calculate, inform, or declare the percentage of marks. Instead, this task may be undertaken by the admitting institution or employer if it is necessary for further education or employment purposes.
The recent decision made by CBSE to eliminate divisions or distinctions is being hailed as a positive change and a significant step towards implementing the principles of NEP 2020. This decision is likely influenced by several factors, such as the aim to alleviate academic pressure on students, promote a more comprehensive approach to education, and address concerns regarding the detrimental effects of high-stakes exams on mental well-being.
By adopting this approach, the focus shifts from mere exam performance to overall learning, creating a more well-rounded educational environment that discourages rote learning. Additionally, it has the potential to mitigate the intense competition that students often face during board exams.
Sanyogita Sharma, Director of Manav Rachna International Schools, expressed her support for this decision. “Nevertheless, there may arise apprehensions regarding the impact of this choice on students’ drive and the acknowledgment of their accomplishments. However, with explicit instructions on evaluating the performance indicators, this decision has the potential to benefit every student, ” she said. Additionally, Sharma expressed her approval of the decision to select the top five subjects for admission purposes if a candidate has taken more than five subjects.
