The Indian education system has taken a step forward towards reviving the education system with the introduction of the grading system in the 2009-10 session. It will help reduce the pressure on students during exams. In the past five years, the meaning of education for students has changed from absorbing knowledge to merely scoring, resulting in myriad forms of educational policy.
Every day more than 17 students between the ages of 15 and 25 are reportedly committing suicide in India due to failing to perform in an exam or an entrance test. Watching young children across the country succumb to undue pressure to get high grades is horrifying. One of the points to consider here is the thinking of society, which puts a lot of pressure on students to ‘perform’.
This pressure from schools, parents, peer groups, and society robs a child of youth. Furthermore, a health report also supports that this often causes health risks such as fatigue, body aches, eye weakness, stress, and in more severe cases (neurotic/psychotic) depression. Observing the current educational scenario, the Central Board of Education for the Elderly has introduced educational counselors and child psychologists in schools to boost the confidence of young students and mentally prepare them for the board exam. This method has helped to reduce stress and make them feel comfortable with the exam.
Understanding the board exam system in India and its relation to students is of great importance nowadays. While coping with the expectations of school, parents and society and keeping pace with their talent, students face many difficulties. Therefore, the implementation of a grading system and the abolition of board exams is really a boon for students.
Adoption of the grading system in India, the grading system was introduced in 2008-09 from class I-VIII, reducing exam stress. Extending the concept to classes IX and X has further reduced the pressure, giving students the opportunity to explore other avenues. Following the US model, the implementation of the grading system is to bring more practical education than the current theoretical method. This model prescribes a diverse range of opportunities, giving children of all levels a platform to showcase their talents and pursue their interests traditionally; students in Class XI were given subjects based on grades earned in Class X. This system often disappointed students if they got poor grades. Also, if a student did not earn the required percentage due to a poor grade in one subject, then the entire percentage is affected. The grading system will give students relief. It will provide ample opportunities for students to excel in their field of choice.
Its implementation will help an average student to cope with stress, although it will leave many toppers to question it. Students will be evaluated on a 9-point grading system, which will decrease the difference between a student scoring in the 99% and another scoring in the 91%. Both students will get an A+ grade. For the grading system to be successful, parents and teachers must recognize children’s special values and encourage them to follow their interests.
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal’s grading system has brought a new wave of transformation in the Indian education system. He put India on the ladder of the global education system. The HRD Minister, commenting on the system, said that it would provide a standardization of excellence at the school level.