Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and Grading System in CBSE Board examination

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 3921

ANSWERED ON 06.08.2014

GRADING SYSTEM

3921 . Dr. SANJAY JAISWAL

Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to scrap the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and Grading System in CBSE Board examination and declare the results on the basis of the marks obtained in the exams;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and 

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; 

(d) whether it has been found that it is not feasible to make unbiased assessment of examination results of the students under the system of CGPA; and 

(e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI) 

(a) to (c): Presently, there is no proposal to scrap Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and Grading System in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). 

The nine point grading system was introduced by the CBSE in 2009-2010 for classes IX and X. Under the grading system, performance of students is assessed using conventional numerical marking mode, and the same is at a later stage converted into the grades on the basis of the pre-determined marks as detailed below:-

MARKS	GRADE	GRADE POINT
91-100	A1	10.0
81-90	A2	09.0
71-80	B1	08.0
61-70	B2	07.0
51-60	C1	06.0
41-50	C2	05.0
33-40	D	04.0
21-32	E1	-
20 and below	E2	-

As per the Scheme of Studies CGPA is the average of grade points obtained in all the subjects excluding additional 6th subject. Therefore the CGPA is equivalent to aggregate percentage of marks and an indicative equivalence of grade point and percentage of marks can be assessed by multiplying the grade point with 9.5 to calculate indicative percentage of marks. 

Earlier, the Board used to award marks as well as grades in certificates of Secondary as well as Senior Secondary classes. A committee was constituted to look into the advantages and viability of awarding only grades in the award sheet. The committee recommended the following advantages of awarding grades:- 

# Grading minimizes misclassification of students on the basis of marks.

# Grading eliminates unhealthy cut-throat competition among high achievers.

# Grading reduces societal pressure and provides the learner with more flexibility.

# Grading leads to a focus on a better learning environment

In the light of the above recommendations, the CBSE introduced absolute and indirect grading scheme at Secondary level for classes IX & X from the academic year 2009-2010. 

(d) and (e): Grades are not given directly. The Board is following indirect system of grading in which grades are given based on marks obtained by a student.

Source: Lok Sabha