Rule change may mean poorer state board results

NAGPUR:The state education board has announced it would change the marking system for board exams from the academic session 2015-16. Under the new system SSC and HSC students will need to score minimum 20% in theory exams separately and 35% aggregate to pass. Only those who meet both these criteria will qualify the exam.
Speaking to TOI from Pune, board’s chairman Gangadhar Mhamane said, “We are making our students competitive by tweaking the rules.Earlier, a certain percentage of students were passing because of generous marks given in internals. This new rule ensures certain checks and balances are put in place so our kids prepare themselves better academically.” For the last couple of years, practical exams are not being conducted by externals due to budgetary issues. Schools would give almost full marks to every student.
The immediate likely fallout of this change is a drop in passing percentage but Mhamane discounts such fears. “I don’t think the drop will be too drastic. As the rule is being implemented for 2016 board exams, students will prepare mentally. They have to compete at national level exams like JEE and AIPMT and we have to ensure our students have a strong base from which to build their academic future,” he said.
Many city schools disagree saying the drop in passing percentage will be significant. Deepak Bajaj, principal of Mahatma Gandhi Centennial high school, said, “Rural students would be affected more. Failure can be expected due to separate 20% passing criterion in theory. But there is no denying that practical exam marks were being just doled out to weaker students.” Jaspal Singh, principal of Guru Nanak high school, said, “Students won’t be able to cope after the new rule is implemented. It will be difficult for science stream students as well as for the rural crowd to pass separately in theory. The average result would naturally decline. As per the clause in RTE, students can’t be detained up to Std VIII. After this rule, students will lose interest in exams. Earlier, just to maintain the school grant and staff, students were somehow passed till Std X,” Singh added quality of junior college students would deteriorate.
MAKING IT TOUGHER
What’s the new rule?
Students need to score minimum 20% (16 out of 80) in theory paper. Overall aggregate for the subject (theory + practical) must be 35%.
Does a student pass if he meets anyone of the criteria?
No. Student must meet both the criteria to be declared passed
For which subjects will this be applicable?
It will be applicable to all subjects
When will the rule take effect?
It will be implemented from 2015-16 academic session. A government circular is expected soon
(with inputs from Sana Husein)