New grading system leaves CBSE students at crossroads

While the new grading system grouped high-scorers under one grade and left the others in lower grades, many students felt something was missing. The percentile score somewhat fetched them that satisfaction.

But it was the grading system that put Vishaka Raj, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya ASC Centre in a fix. She had topped the class in the preparatory exams, but found herself among the A1 graders without knowing how much she had scored.  "I do not know if I have secured more or less marks than my competitors. This grading system has deprived me of my percentage," she added.

Bishal Singha from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Hebbal, who scored a high percentile of 99.94, said that the grading system had brought down the competition level among students. Nevertheless, he was content to get the percentile score.

Also among the high percentile scorers were his schoolmate, Mohammad Asif  with 99.53 percentile, Arun Sai K of Presidency School with a percentile of 99.97 and Dhanyata Mundanda Poovaiah of Army Public School, who secured a percentile of 99.68.

There were also some students who preferred the grading system. Saurabh Joshi from Kendriya Vidyalaya ASC Centre was among them. He said the system was really good.  "There is less pressure on students with the grading system.  Normally students tend to compare their marks and percentage with other students, but the new system does not allow us to compare our marks.  However the toppers might feel the pinch," he said.
Finishing among the toppers was Kaivalya Molugu, a student of CMR National Public School with a high percentile of 99.67. Consistent studying throughout the year had helped her. “I did not sit for hours together to finish the portions. I would maintain a particular pace and go according to it. Also, I would pay attention in class and this helped me in grasping concepts well. I also believed that if I understood the concepts well, I would be able to answer questions conveniently.”
Her parents and teachers had helped Kaivalya. “That is how I was able to perform so well in my exam,” she said.

Raksha M S, an Army Public School student with 99.7 percentile, had struck a perfect balance between extracurricular activities and studies to attain success. “I studied with utmost concentration, even if it was for a short time. Also giving your 100 per cent during classes does the trick.” Raksha did not spend all her time over books.  
 Raksha’s result was as per her expectations and she is extremely happy. She never took studies lightly and is very thankful to her parents, teachers, friends and principal. “Without the support of my school, friends and parents, I would surely not have been able to manage this.” She had been taking coaching for this from the ninth standard itself.
DH News Service