In a groundbreaking reform aimed at modernizing educational assessments, the Telangana State Board of Secondary Education (TSBSE) has declared that, starting from the next academic year, SSC (Secondary School Certificate) students will receive both marks and grades in their examination results. This dual-assessment model will replace the existing system, which has traditionally relied solely on marks to evaluate students. With this change, the Telangana Board aims to provide a more comprehensive, equitable, and stress-free way of assessing student performance.
For decades, students in Telangana have been judged purely on their marks, which has often led to intense competition, stress, and a narrow focus on exam-specific learning. However, the new system intends to expand the assessment approach, offering a combination of both marks and grades. This shift is expected to address the growing concerns around the limitations of marks-based evaluations and to create a more balanced and comprehensive framework for understanding student achievement.
How Marks and Grades Work Together
Under the revamped evaluation system, students will continue to receive marks for each subject, as they have in the past. These marks will represent the exact number of correct answers or the percentage of the syllabus the student has mastered. Alongside the marks, students will also receive grades, which categorize their performance into broader levels such as ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’.
Each grade will correspond to a range of marks, with higher grades indicating better performance. For example, an ‘A+’ grade may be awarded to students who score between 90-100%, while an ‘A’ grade may correspond to scores between 80-89%. The inclusion of grades alongside marks gives a more rounded perspective on a student’s performance, allowing for easier comparison among peers without the overemphasis on exact marks.
A Shift Toward Holistic Assessment
The introduction of grades is driven by the recognition that marks alone often fail to capture the full spectrum of a student’s academic abilities. Marks provide a precise and quantifiable measure of a student’s performance, but they often fail to account for important skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Grades, on the other hand, offer a broader view of a student’s overall performance, taking into consideration their academic trajectory and growth.
By adopting a system that values both marks and grades, the Telangana Board is promoting a more holistic approach to education. This system encourages students to engage in deeper learning and development, rather than simply focusing on memorizing facts for exams. It also aims to reduce the intense pressure that comes with achieving high marks, allowing students to focus on continuous improvement and mastering concepts.
Why the Change is Important
- Less Pressure on Students: Students are often caught in the race to score the highest marks, which can lead to unnecessary stress and a narrow focus on exam performance. With the introduction of grades, students can aim for a grade range rather than obsessing over precise numbers, reducing anxiety and fostering a more balanced approach to learning.
- More Comprehensive Evaluation: The new system will offer a more complete picture of a student’s academic abilities. Marks will show how well students performed on exams, while grades will show their standing within a broader context, taking into account overall achievement and growth.
- Improved Teacher Insights: Teachers will be better able to understand a student’s academic journey. With both marks and grades, educators will be able to assess performance with greater depth, offering more tailored feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
- Global Compatibility: The introduction of grades brings the Telangana education system in line with international standards. Many countries around the world have adopted grading systems alongside marks to evaluate students, and this reform will make it easier for Telangana students to transition to global higher education systems.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Impact
The shift to a dual-assessment model has the potential to reshape the future of education in Telangana. Students will be better prepared for higher education, where both marks and holistic academic development are increasingly being valued. The focus on grades will also help reduce the unhealthy competition that often emerges in marks-based systems, promoting collaboration and growth among students.
Additionally, the system will likely reduce the strain on teachers, as the grading system offers a more flexible and less stressful way of providing feedback. With grades as an added tool, educators will be able to focus more on fostering long-term learning and less on preparing students for high-stakes exams.
Conclusion: A Positive Step for Education in Telangana
By adopting a dual evaluation system that includes both marks and grades, Telangana is making a progressive move that could serve as a model for other regions. This new system promises to reduce pressure, encourage deeper learning, and provide a more comprehensive view of student achievement. It represents a significant step forward in the state’s educational reforms, creating a more balanced, inclusive, and effective way of assessing students’ performance and potential.
