CBSE class X exams to be optional from 2010-11

In a path-breaking move that will cheer lakhs of students across the country, the central government on Monday announced that class X examinations of the Central Board for Secondary Education will be optional from the next academic year (2010-11) while the grading system will be introduced this year itself.

Over eight lakh students appearing for their class X exams in March 2010 have to take Board exams for which the results will be declared through grading system.

From 2011, the grading system will continue but the Board exams will become optional.

The class X examinations of CBSE will be abolished from 2010-11 while the grading system will be introduced from 2009-10 (current academic year), Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal told media persons in New Delhi.

"After the Board examination is abolished in 2011 (for class X), students will have choice to take the Board exam on demand for transfer (to another school) or entry into pre-university institutes," Sibal said.

The exam on demand is also available to students who want to continue in the same school, he said. Under the new system, students who wish to continue in the same school after class X, need not take Board exam from 2011.

On the grading system, he said it will be a "continuous, comprehensive evaluation" which will be good for the students. However, along with grades, students can also ask for their percentile.

The new system will be based on nine-point scale, starting from A1 (exceptional) up to E2 (unsatisfactory).