In a significant move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially declared that no overall division, distinction, or aggregate will be awarded to students appearing for the class 10 and 12 board examinations. The decision, communicated through an official press release by Dr Sanyam Bharadwaj, CBSE Controller of Examinations, aims to align with the essence of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The press release emphasized the provisions outlined in sub-section 40.1 (iii) of Chapter -7 of the Examination Bye-Laws, justifying the decision to refrain from awarding overall divisions, distinctions, or aggregates to students.
Additionally, the CBSE clarified that if a candidate has taken more than five subjects, the determination of the best five subjects will be at the discretion of the admitting institution or employer.
Sanyogita Sharma, Director of Manav Rachna International Schools, welcomed the decision, stating, “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.” Sharma highlighted the potential positive impact on reducing academic pressure, promoting holistic education, and addressing concerns about the impact of high-stakes exams on mental health.
However, concerns were acknowledged about the potential impact on students’ motivation and the recognition of their achievements. Sharma suggested that clear guidance on weighing performance indicators would be essential to ensure the decision works in favor of every student.
