The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has declared that no overall division or distinctions will be awarded in class 10 and 12 board examinations. The decision, conveyed by a senior official, disrupts traditional competitive norms while retaining the assessment of marks for individual subjects.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj clarified that while the board will continue to award marks for each subject, there will be no overall division, distinction, or aggregate of marks. Admitting institutions or employers requiring aggregate scores will need to calculate them themselves.

Bhardwaj emphasized, "If the percentage of marks is needed for higher education or in employment, the calculation, if any, should be done by the admitting institution or employer."

In another bold step, CBSE has discontinued the practice of issuing merit lists to discourage unhealthy competition among students. This decision, initially made in 2020 amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, will be maintained in the post-pandemic phase.

For those planning ahead, the CBSE has confirmed that exams for class 10 and 12 will commence from February 15, 2024. This proactive scheduling aims to synchronize the academic calendar and enable students to adequately prepare for entrance examinations. The specific date sheet for the exams is yet to be released.

With over 28,000 affiliated schools across India and 26 other countries, CBSE's decision signifies a shift towards emphasizing individual subject mastery and comprehensive preparation. In the previous year, over 21 lakh candidates participated in CBSE class 10 exams, with more than 16 lakh candidates appearing for the class 12 board exams.

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