The Manipur government has introduced a grading system for the class 10 board examinations starting this year. This new system aims to alleviate the pressure and stress often associated with competitive exams by eliminating divisions or ranks in the high school leaving certificate examination results.
In an official statement, Joint Secretary of the Education Department, Elangbam Sonia, revealed that the revamped grading approach would focus solely on a pass/fail status without displaying total marks or aggregates on the examination certificates. Under this system, students achieving scores between 91 and 100 will be awarded an A1 grade, while those scoring between 81 and 90 will receive an A2 grade. Conversely, students who score between 21 and 30 marks will be assigned an E1 grade and considered as having failed the exam, similar to those receiving an E2 grade.
The government’s decision to overhaul the evaluation criteria stems from a desire to foster a healthier educational environment. “Though competition amongst the students is good for improving one’s performance, there is a need to see that it does not lead to stress or completely dishearten a minor,” the statement elaborated. By adopting a grading system, the aim is to reduce the undue burden on students, encouraging a learning process that is less about competition and more about personal growth and understanding at a critical stage in their lives.
This year, 37,715 students are registered to participate in the matriculation examination conducted from March 15 to April 8 across 154 examination centers. This cohort includes 18,628 female students, highlighting the inclusive nature of the education system in the region.
The move to a grading system is seen as a progressive step towards recognising the diverse capabilities of students and addressing the increasing concerns over mental health and stress in academic environments. This initiative is expected to pave the way for a more holistic and stress-free learning experience for students across Manipur.
