The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new grading system called ‘Relative Grading’ for Class 10 and 12 students. This system awards grades based on students’ performance relative to their peers, rather than on fixed cut-off marks. The CBSE announced the Class 10 and 12 results on May 13, 2024. Students can access their official mark sheets through their schools or DigiLocker.
Official Notice:
What is Relative Grading?
In the Relative Grading system, grades are assigned based on a percentile system. Unlike traditional methods that use predetermined cut-off marks, Relative Grading compares students’ performance within their group. The number of students passing a subject determines the grade distribution, meaning grades can vary between subjects.
Key Points About CBSE Relative Grading
- Percentile System: Grades depend on how students perform relative to others in the same subject.
- Variable Grades: Two students with the same marks can receive different grades if the distribution of scores in their subject group differs.
- Grade Assignment: Grades are based on the number of students passing the subject and their relative scores.
CBSE Toppers and Merit Certificates
CBSE does not officially announce toppers or release a merit list. However, merit certificates are awarded to students in the top 0.1% of each subject, provided that at least 500 students have taken that subject.
How Grades are Determined
- Adjusting for Ties: Minor adjustments are made to account for ties, ensuring fairness.
- Tie Cases: Students with the same score receive the same grade.
- Large Groups: Relative grading is applied to subjects with more than 500 passing students.
- Small Groups: For subjects with fewer than 500 passing students, grades are based on patterns from similar subjects.
For example, if 10,000 students pass Mathematics, the top 1/6th (approximately 1,666 students) will receive an A1 grade. This ranking is based on the students’ relative performance, not their exact percentage scores.