Grading and Evaluation System for 2025
No Toppers This Year: CBSE Levels the Playing Field
TINA KHATRI
In a significant shift from tradition, there will be no toppers declared for Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) 2025 board exams for Class 10 and 12. This decision is part of CBSE's effort to create a more inclusive and stress-free environment for students, focusing on individual achievements rather than ranking them in a competitive race for the top spots.
Why the Change?
By eliminating the announcement of state and national toppers, CBSE aims to reduce the pressure and unhealthy competition that often accompanies the board exams. “This move will help foster a more holistic learning experience where students are evaluated based on their personal growth and subject performance, rather than being compared with others,” UK Jha, CBSE coordinator, said. He added that the focus will now be on individual accomplishments rather than public recognition of top scorers.
Grading System for Class 10 and 12
For both Class 10 and Class 12 external examinations, CBSE follows a nine-point grading scale, where the students are assessed based on their relative performance in each subject. The distribution is as follows:
• A1: Top 1/8th of the passed candidates
• A2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• B1: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• B2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• C1: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• C2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• D1: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• D2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• E: Failed candidates
For Class 12, students will receive grades and grade points based on the following percentage ranges:
• 91-100%: A1 (10 grade points)
• 81-90%: A2 (9 grade points)
• 71-80%: B1 (8 grade points)
• 61-70%: B2 (7 grade points)
• 51-60%: C1 (6 grade points)
• 41-50%: C2 (5 grade points)
• 33-40%: D (4 grade points)
• Below 33%: E (Fail)
Class 10 uses the same grading scale for external examinations as Class 12. The grades reflect the student's performance and ensure fairness in evaluation. Additionally, internal assessments (including assignments, periodic tests, and projects) for Class 10 will follow a five-point scale: A, B, C, D, E, with A being the highest grade.
Key Features of the CBSE Grading System
• No Topper or Divisions: In line with CBSE's commitment to reduce academic pressure, no toppers are announced at the national or state level for the board exams. Furthermore, the board does not award divisions (First, Second, Third), ensuring that the focus remains on individual student performance without promoting unhealthy competition.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for students, representing their average grade points across subjects. It helps in assessing the overall academic performance without focusing on aggregate marks.
• Passing Criteria: Students are required to achieve at least 33% marks in both theory and practical components to pass each subject. Failure to meet these criteria means the student will have to appear for compartment examinations to improve their performance.
Special Provisions for Students with Special Needs
CBSE recognizes the diverse needs of students and provides specific provisions for students with special needs (CWSN). These include extended time, scribes, larger fonts, and other accommodations, ensuring that all students have a fair opportunity to succeed. Schools must submit applications for such provisions well in advance, in accordance with CBSE guidelines.
Unfair Practices and Ethical Conduct
CBSE maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards unfair practices during examinations. Actions such as using unauthorized materials, attempting to influence examiners, or engaging in dishonest practices can result in strict disciplinary actions, including examination cancellation for the subject. Repeated offenses may lead to a two-year ban from appearing in exams.
Examiners and invigilators are required to report any unfair practices immediately to the concerned regional office to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Compartment Examinations and Supplementary Assessments
Students who fail in one subject but meet the internal assessment criteria are eligible to appear for compartment examinations. Detailed guidelines for these exams are available on the CBSE website. These exams offer students a chance to clear the failed subject without losing an entire year.
Use of Technology in Examinations
CBSE is embracing digital platforms for efficient conduct and processing of exams. This includes using technology for mark entry, result processing, and enhanced security measures such as CCTV surveillance in examination halls. “The integration of technology aims to streamline the examination process and ensure a transparent, secure environment for students,” Manoj Bajpai, CBSE resource person, said.
Attendance and Eligibility
Regular attendance is crucial for students to be eligible to appear for board exams. CBSE has set a 75% attendance requirement for students to be eligible for the Class 10 and 12 examinations. However, exceptions are made in cases of medical emergencies, extracurricular activities, or other valid reasons with appropriate documentation.
No Toppers This Year: CBSE Levels the Playing Field
TINA KHATRI
In a significant shift from tradition, there will be no toppers declared for Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) 2025 board exams for Class 10 and 12. This decision is part of CBSE's effort to create a more inclusive and stress-free environment for students, focusing on individual achievements rather than ranking them in a competitive race for the top spots.
Why the Change?
By eliminating the announcement of state and national toppers, CBSE aims to reduce the pressure and unhealthy competition that often accompanies the board exams. “This move will help foster a more holistic learning experience where students are evaluated based on their personal growth and subject performance, rather than being compared with others,” UK Jha, CBSE coordinator, said. He added that the focus will now be on individual accomplishments rather than public recognition of top scorers.
Grading System for Class 10 and 12
For both Class 10 and Class 12 external examinations, CBSE follows a nine-point grading scale, where the students are assessed based on their relative performance in each subject. The distribution is as follows:
• A1: Top 1/8th of the passed candidates
• A2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• B1: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• B2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• C1: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• C2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• D1: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• D2: Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
• E: Failed candidates
For Class 12, students will receive grades and grade points based on the following percentage ranges:
• 91-100%: A1 (10 grade points)
• 81-90%: A2 (9 grade points)
• 71-80%: B1 (8 grade points)
• 61-70%: B2 (7 grade points)
• 51-60%: C1 (6 grade points)
• 41-50%: C2 (5 grade points)
• 33-40%: D (4 grade points)
• Below 33%: E (Fail)
Class 10 uses the same grading scale for external examinations as Class 12. The grades reflect the student's performance and ensure fairness in evaluation. Additionally, internal assessments (including assignments, periodic tests, and projects) for Class 10 will follow a five-point scale: A, B, C, D, E, with A being the highest grade.
Key Features of the CBSE Grading System
• No Topper or Divisions: In line with CBSE's commitment to reduce academic pressure, no toppers are announced at the national or state level for the board exams. Furthermore, the board does not award divisions (First, Second, Third), ensuring that the focus remains on individual student performance without promoting unhealthy competition.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for students, representing their average grade points across subjects. It helps in assessing the overall academic performance without focusing on aggregate marks.
• Passing Criteria: Students are required to achieve at least 33% marks in both theory and practical components to pass each subject. Failure to meet these criteria means the student will have to appear for compartment examinations to improve their performance.
Special Provisions for Students with Special Needs
CBSE recognizes the diverse needs of students and provides specific provisions for students with special needs (CWSN). These include extended time, scribes, larger fonts, and other accommodations, ensuring that all students have a fair opportunity to succeed. Schools must submit applications for such provisions well in advance, in accordance with CBSE guidelines.
Unfair Practices and Ethical Conduct
CBSE maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards unfair practices during examinations. Actions such as using unauthorized materials, attempting to influence examiners, or engaging in dishonest practices can result in strict disciplinary actions, including examination cancellation for the subject. Repeated offenses may lead to a two-year ban from appearing in exams.
Examiners and invigilators are required to report any unfair practices immediately to the concerned regional office to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Compartment Examinations and Supplementary Assessments
Students who fail in one subject but meet the internal assessment criteria are eligible to appear for compartment examinations. Detailed guidelines for these exams are available on the CBSE website. These exams offer students a chance to clear the failed subject without losing an entire year.
Use of Technology in Examinations
CBSE is embracing digital platforms for efficient conduct and processing of exams. This includes using technology for mark entry, result processing, and enhanced security measures such as CCTV surveillance in examination halls. “The integration of technology aims to streamline the examination process and ensure a transparent, secure environment for students,” Manoj Bajpai, CBSE resource person, said.
Attendance and Eligibility
Regular attendance is crucial for students to be eligible to appear for board exams. CBSE has set a 75% attendance requirement for students to be eligible for the Class 10 and 12 examinations. However, exceptions are made in cases of medical emergencies, extracurricular activities, or other valid reasons with appropriate documentation.