In a significant educational reform, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has decided to discontinue merit lists for its Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board exams starting this year. This move, aimed at easing pressure and fostering a healthier educational environment, follows similar actions taken by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last year.
Joseph Emmanuel, the Chief Executive and Secretary of CISCE, emphasized that the decision was made with the well-being of students in mind. “We have discontinued the practice of issuing merit lists for board exams from this year. The move is aimed at avoiding unhealthy competition among students,” he stated during the announcement of the board results on Monday.
The results for the 2024 examinations revealed a slight increase in pass percentages for both classes. The pass rate for Class X students stands at 99.47%, with girls outperforming boys, achieving a 99.65% pass rate compared to 99.29% for boys. Similarly, Class XII saw an overall pass rate of 98.19%, with girls again leading at 98.92% over the boys’ 97.46%.
In the wake of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, which led to the suspension of board exams and the adoption of alternative evaluation methods, CISCE had initially resumed the practice of issuing merit lists. However, with the recent decision, the board aims to shift the focus from competitive rankings to individual student growth and learning.
The CISCE’s decision has sparked discussions among educators and parents regarding the impact of competitive rankings on student well-being and the educational atmosphere. This change is part of a broader trend towards holistic education reform, recognizing the diverse capabilities and well-being of students beyond mere academic achievement.
Meanwhile, CBSE is set to announce its Class 10 and 12 results in mid-May. This year’s exams witnessed a record participation of 39 lakh students from 26 countries, underscoring the significant role of board examinations in shaping educational standards in India.
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