Embracing a Healthier Educational Approach: CISCE Ditches Merit Lists for ICSE and ISC Board Exams
In a significant educational reform, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has decided to do away with merit lists for its Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board exams starting this year.
This decision, aimed at reducing stress and unhealthy competition among students, mirrors similar steps taken by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last year.
Joseph Emmanuel, CEO and Secretary of CISCE, emphasized that the move was made to nurture a more conducive educational environment. "We have discontinued the practice of issuing merit lists for board exams from this year. The move is aimed at avoiding unnecessary 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 rates for both classes. The pass rate for Class X students stands at 99.47%, with girls outperforming boys, achieving a pass rate of 99.65% compared to 99.29% for boys. Similarly, Class XII witnessed an overall pass rate of 98.19%, with girls again leading at 98.92% compared to boys' 97.46%.
In the wake of the pandemic disruptions, which led to the cancellation of board exams and the adoption of alternative assessment methods, CISCE had temporarily resumed the merit list practice. However, with the new decision, the board aims to shift focus from competitive rankings to individual student growth and learning.
CISCE's decision has sparked discussions among educators and parents regarding the impact of competitive rankings on student well-being and the educational environment.
This change is part of a broader trend towards holistic education reform, recognizing the diverse abilities 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 saw a record participation of 39 lakh students from 26 countries, underscoring the scale and significance of board exams in shaping educational standards in India.
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