CBSE 2024: No Division or Distinction to be Awarded for Class 10 and 12

CBSE 2024: A noteworthy news regarding the 2024 Class 10 and Class 12 board exams was made lately by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The board has taken some notable actions to address issues and meet the various needs of pupils.

To begin with, the board has announced that students taking these tests in 2024 would not receive any overall division, distinction, or aggregate percentage. This choice deviates from the custom of announcing formal announcements and calculating percentages.

The board made this judgment in response to repeated petitions from candidates requesting that standards be set for determining percentages. In response, the board has underlined its dedication to offering impartial and equitable evaluation standards.

Amit Saneja, CEO, Educate Online India stated, “The decision to abstain from awarding distinctions in board exams creates an eclectic debate amongst educationists and students alike.

One opinion argues for a more inclusive learning environment, where the elimination of hierarchical grading fosters collaborative learning over individual competition. However, critics express concerns about the potential demotivation of high-achieving students and the dilution of meritocracy. 

This shift prompts a broader examination of educational goals: Is the focus solely on producing top performers, or should it prioritize holistic development and critical thinking skills? As we navigate this educational crossroads, a balanced dialogue is crucial to shaping a system that genuinely nurtures the intellectual and personal growth of each student without compromising the pursuit of academic excellence.

In essence we may feel it’s a progressive thought however in its current avatar it may just be moving the onus from evaluation body to another. It is thus a journey well begun by acknowledging the elephant in the room.”

Furthermore, the CBSE has announced that if a candidate selects more than five subjects, the top five subjects will be considered when determining whether to accept the individual into college or hire them by businesses affiliated with the CBSE board.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the employer or the appropriate educational institution can determine the necessary percentage if it is needed for additional coursework or employment.

Siddharth Rajgarhia, Chief Lerner and Director, Delhi Public School in Varanasi, Nashik, Lava Nagpur, and Hinjawadi said,

“We appreciate the recent decision by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to refrain from awarding divisions or distinctions in the board exams. This move aligns with the principles of the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing a holistic approach to education and addressing concerns related to students’ mental health.

At DPS Varanasi, Nashik, Lava Nagpur, and Hinjawadi, we uphold a philosophy that encourages students to transcend the limitations of traditional grading systems. Our belief is rooted in fostering independent learners who shoulder the responsibility of their education. This decision by CBSE resonates with our commitment to nurturing students’ comprehensive abilities beyond mere numerical assessments. We instill a passion for lifelong learning, guiding students to embrace education as a continuous journey of growth and discovery.”

The CBSE board is getting ready for the internal assessments, project work, and practical exams that will be administered to students in classes 10 and 12 at all CBSE-affiliated schools in India and abroad in the academic year 2023–2024. Theory exams will begin on February 15, 2024; the whole schedule is eagerly awaited.

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