In a path-breaking move that will cheer lakhs of students across the country, the government today announced that Class X examinations of the CBSE will be optional from the next academic year (2010-11) while the grading system will be introduced this year itself.
Over 8 lakh students appearing for their Class X exams in March 2010 have to take Board exams for which the results will be declared through grading system.
From 2011, the grading system will continue but the Board exams will become optional.
The Class X examinations of CBSE will be abolished from 2010-11 while the grading system will be introduced from 2009-10 (current academic year), Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters here.
"After the Board examination is abolished in 2011 (for Class X), students will have choice to take the Board exam on demand for transfer (to another school) or entry into pre-university institutes," Sibal said.
The exam on demand is also available to students who want to continue in the same school, he said. Under the new system, students who wish to continue in the same school after Class X, need not take Board exam from 2011.
On the grading system, he said it will be a "continuous, comprehensive evaluation" which will be good for the students. However, along with grades, students can also ask for their percentile.
The new system will be based on nine-point scale, starting from A1 (exceptional) up to E2 (unsatisfactory).
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app