The CBSE Board Shifts Focus to Individual Subject Performance, Discontinuing the Practice of Awarding Divisions or Distinctions to Students.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced significant alterations to its assessment methodology for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. With immediate effect, CBSE will cease the practice of awarding divisions or distinctions to students, shifting its emphasis to individual subject performance.
This decision was communicated through an official release by CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, marking a departure from the traditional grading system. The release clarified that the responsibility of determining the best five subjects for calculating students’ marks will now rest with the admitting college.
In cases where a candidate has taken more than five subjects, the decision to select the optimal five for evaluation may be entrusted to the admitting institution or employer. The official release emphasized, “The Board does not calculate, declare, or inform the percentage of marks. If the percentage of marks is required for higher education or employment, any calculation necessary should be undertaken by the admitting institution or employer.”
Last year, CBSE had already decided not to issue any merit list of students when declaring results for class 10 and 12 board exams, and no toppers were announced for these classes.
REACTION FROM EXPERTS “The recent CBSE decision to not award divisions or distinctions comes as a welcome change and an important step towards realizing the essence of NEP 2020. This decision may be influenced by various factors, including a desire to reduce academic pressure on students, promote a more holistic approach to education, and address concerns about the impact of high-stakes exams on mental health,” says Sanyogita Sharma – Director, MRIS.
“On the positive side, this approach encourages a focus on overall learning rather than just exam performance, fostering a more balanced educational environment, ultimately moving away from rote learning,” she further adds.
