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UP Board proposes bonus marks for outstanding sportspersons

According to the proposal sent to the state government for approval, students appearing in high school (Class 10) and intermediate (Class 12) examinations may be awarded additional marks ranging from 5 to 20 based on their sporting achievements.

Published on: May 15, 2026, 07:42:10 IST
By , PRAYAGRAJ
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The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board) has proposed a new policy to award bonus marks to outstanding sportspersons in the state, aiming to encourage students who excel at the state, national, and international levels.

The bonus marks will be granted only to students who have obtained valid certificates confirming their participation or achievements in recognised state, national, or international sporting events, provided the certificates are issued on or before January 31 of the examination year (FILE PHOTO)
The bonus marks will be granted only to students who have obtained valid certificates confirming their participation or achievements in recognised state, national, or international sporting events, provided the certificates are issued on or before January 31 of the examination year (FILE PHOTO)

According to the proposal sent to the state government for approval, students appearing in high school (Class 10) and intermediate (Class 12) examinations may be awarded additional marks ranging from 5 to 20 based on their sporting achievements.

As per the proposed structure, five marks would be awarded for securing first, second, or third position at the state level. At the national level, seven marks are proposed for participation and 10 marks for winning first to third positions. At the international level, students may receive 15 marks for participation and up to 20 marks for securing a top-three position in international competitions, officials from the state secondary education department said.

The bonus marks will be granted only to students who have obtained valid certificates confirming their participation or achievements in recognised state, national, or international sporting events, provided the certificates are issued on or before January 31 of the examination year. The policy will not apply to candidates appearing in compartment examinations, officials added.

In high school results, the bonus marks will be reflected on the marksheet-cum-certificate, while for intermediate students, they will be added to the total score, according to the proposal.

UP Board secretary Bhagwati Singh said the new system will be implemented after receiving approval from the state government.

In cases where a student fails an examination, bonus marks may be used as grace marks in up to two subjects to help them pass. Each certificate will be considered only once for awarding bonus marks. If a student holds multiple certificates, only the one offering the highest benefit will be taken into account, officials explained.

The initiative will apply to competitions organised under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), as well as NCC, Scouts and Guides. In addition, performance recognition will extend to students participating in sports activities in Classes 9 and 11, with benefits carrying forward to the Class 10 and 12 board examinations.

  • K Sandeep Kumar
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    K Sandeep Kumar

    K. Sandeep Kumar is Senior Assistant Editor and Bureau Head of Hindustan Times in Prayagraj, where he leads the newspaper's editorial coverage across the region. With more than 25 years of experience in journalism, he has built a reputation for credible, in-depth and impact-driven reporting on Uttar Pradesh's governance, politics, education, agriculture, science and technology, defence, infrastructure and development. Over the course of his career, Sandeep has consistently broken and tracked stories that have shaped public discourse, with a particular focus on policy, public institutions and issues that directly affect people's lives. His reporting combines rigorous fieldwork with data-backed analysis, making complex subjects accessible to a wide readership. He has also written extensively on human-interest stories that spotlight resilience, innovation and social change across urban and rural Uttar Pradesh. As Prayagraj Bureau Head, he mentors reporters, drives editorial planning and ensures comprehensive coverage of one of India's most politically and culturally significant regions. His work is marked by accuracy, balance and context, reflecting a commitment to public-interest journalism and high editorial standards. Through his reporting, Sandeep continues to chronicle the evolving social, economic and political landscape of Uttar Pradesh while delivering insightful and reliable journalism for Hindustan Times readers.Read More