Understanding the Relative Grading System of CBSE

Dec. 27, 2024, 2:41 p.m.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has implemented a 'Relative Grading' system for awarding subject-wise grades to students in Classes 10 and 12 board examinations. This system, reflected in the mark sheet cum certificate, differs from the traditional absolute grading. In 'Relative Grading,' grades are assigned based on the relative performance of students rather than predetermined cut-off marks.

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According to CBSE's official release, this method is considered more scientific. Grades are determined by comparing the performance of candidates within a group, and not by a fixed marks range (e.g., 91-100, 81-90). As a result, grades can vary between subjects based on the number of students passing each subject and their relative scores. The grading process involves placing all qualified students in a rank order divided into eight equal groups. The distribution is as follows:

- Top 1/8 of passed candidates receive an A-1 grade.

- Next 1/8 receive an A-2 grade.

- Next 1/8 receive a B-1 grade.

- Next 1/8 receive a B-2 grade.

- Next 1/8 receive a C-1 grade.

- Next 1/8 receive a C-2 grade.

- Next 1/8 receive a D-1 grade.

- Next 1/8 receive a D-2 grade.

In this system, candidates with identical marks in different subjects may receive different grades, depending on the number of candidates passing and their relative scores. Certain principles are observed in this grading system like minor adjustments in the proportion of candidates are made to address ties.

In case of a tie, all students with the same score receive the same grade. This grading method is applied to subjects with over 500 passing candidates. For subjects with fewer than 500 passing candidates, grading follows patterns of similar subjects. Further details are available on the CBSE official website.