'Vanishing ink' mars student's CBSE marks

If her Class 12 marks - two zeros amid scores in the 80s and 90s - have left Pooja Soni shattered, the bizarre reason the CBSE has come up with has left her even more miserable and confused. Astha Saxena reports.

If her Class 12 marks - two zeros amid scores in the 80s and 90s - have left Pooja Soni shattered, the bizarre reason the CBSE has come up with has left her even more miserable and confused.

When the Amity International School student contacted the Central Board of Secondary Education, its officials showed her the answer sheets for her economics and accountancy papers - complete blanks.

"They told me I have used a pen whose ink has vanished," the 18-year-old said on Wednesday.

Her report card reads English 81, mathematics 95, business studies 66, accounts practicals 20 (out of 20), economics 0 and accounts theory 0. She had scored 98 in economics in the pre-boards.

"They showed me the sheet with my name and roll number written in blue (ball pen) ink and the answer booklet stapled with it, which comprised plain sheets with some scribbles. While the scribbles weren't too visible, they were clear enough to prove the handwriting wasn't mine," Pooja, a resident of Sector 14, said.

When her family pointed this out, the officials gave them another bizarre scenario - that Pooja had used a pencil.

"No child writes the board exams with a pencil. And even if a pencil was used, why would the sheets be blank? My daughter has been a consistent topper in economics," said Vijay Soni.

"She performs well," her principal Renu Singh said.

"I've been asked to reappear for the two exams... I have lost all confidence," Pooja said.

"Her case is in the process. Her future won't be hampered. We will do whatever it takes to help her," said CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma.