Understanding the New CBSE Grading System and Its Impact

As of November 30, 2023, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) no longer officially calculates or declares divisions such as Distinction, First Class, Second Class, or overall percentages for Class 10 and 12 board exams. This decision was made to shift focus away from rote learning and unhealthy competition based on grades, encouraging instead a deeper understanding and skill development. Here’s a detailed overview of the new grading and reporting system and its implications.

Shift in Focusing on Conceptual Understanding

The move from traditional grading and division schemes to a more comprehensive system aims to foster a learning environment that prioritizes understanding over mere memorization. The change was introduced to combat the negative impacts of unhealthy competition and to promote a more holistic approach to education. Instead of just aiming for high grades, students are encouraged to develop a robust understanding of the subject matter. This is crucial for their long-term success and adaptability.

Current Reporting Mechanism: Detailed Marksheets and Subject-Specific Percentages

Free Preparation: To fully understand the new system, you can access detailed marksheets and reports online. These records provide a comprehensive breakdown of performance in each subject, along with internal assessments and practical scores (if applicable).

Class 10 Grading System

For Class 10, students receive grades ranging from A to E based on their performance, but no overall percentage or division is calculated. This system encourages a balanced view of the student's abilities across multiple subjects, focusing on individual strengths and weaknesses.

Class 12 Subject-Specific Percentages

In Class 12, percentages are calculated for each individual subject, but no overall percentage or division is officially declared. If an overall percentage or division is required for specific purposes like college admissions or job applications, the admitting institution or employer is responsible for determining the calculation method. They may consider the student's best five subjects or other relevant criteria.

Focus on Deep Learning and Institution-Based Criteria

The primary aim of this change is to encourage deeper understanding and skill development rather than just chasing grades. In the new system, the focus shifts to transparency and fairness in the assessment of student performance. Detailed marksheets and subject-specific percentages provide a more transparent and fair evaluation framework. Admitting institutions and employers have the flexibility to determine their own criteria for calculating overall scores, tailored to their specific requirements.

CBSE Grading System and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

The CBSE follows distribution rules based on a student's overall performance or result in all subjects. The board calculates a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) to determine a student's academic standing. This system classifies students into different academic divisions based on their CGPA range. For example:

Distinction: CGPA typically exceeds a certain specified value, indicating exceptional academic performance. Division 1: CGPA within a specific range, indicating a high level of performance. Second Division: CGPA within another designated range, indicating a satisfactory level of performance. Pass: CGPA meets the pass criteria but falls under the Second Division, indicating that the minimum standards have been met.

The exact CGPA range for each division may vary depending on the CBSE guidelines for a specific academic year. This ensures that the grading system is flexible and can adapt to changing academic standards.

Conclusion

The new CBSE grading system and lack of predescribed divisions in Class 10 and 12 board exams are part of a broader effort to improve the quality of education and reduce the emphasis on superficial metrics. By focusing on deeper understanding and skill development, the system aims to better prepare students for real-world challenges and opportunities.