Maha SSC Class 10 results: Bonus marks spike students’ percentage
Even with a score of 99 per cent in Class 10 exams of secondary school certificate (SSC) board, 15-year-old Advay Joshi, of DES (Deccan Education Society) Secondary School failed to make it to the toppers list. He missed the spot by one per cent as four students in the city scored a perfect 100 per cent this year. A total of 125 students have scored the perfect 100 per cent in the entire state of Maharashtra.
The state board’s decision to give SSC students an opportunity to get extra marks by excelling in performing arts, fine arts and sports, is the reason behind this perfect score of 100 per cent. The state board took the decision in 2017 to encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities in addition to gaining academic knowledge. Though initially taken to encourage national and international athletes, the decision was later expanded to other activities also. According to the rule, students get between 10 to 25 marks for engaging in extracurricular activities.
Joshi who excelled in playing on violin got an extra 2 per cent under the scheme. “It is definitely a boost for students who have managed to keep their passion alive inspite of academic pressures. This rule allows us to get holistic education.”
A total of 3,859 students got extra marks under sports quota. While 1,61,021 students got extra marks for their drawing skills, 1,447 students got extra marks for classical dance. This rule has led many students to score above 100 per cent this year. A total of 63,331 students scored above 90 per cent in the state this year, while in Pune the figures stood at 11,961. In Latur, as many as 70 students got the perfect score of 100 per cent.
While a few like Joshi managed to elevate their scores with these extra marks, many did not and complained about the unnecessary pressure and competition.
“I did not get any bonus scores because my sole concentration was on academics. While I am not critical of anyone getting ncouragement or extra credits for their extracurricular activities, the problem arises when these marks are be pitted against lower scores that are based on academics,” said Sakshi Padwal of Laxmanrao Apte Prashala, near Deccan Gymkhana. Although she had topped the school with 95.40% without bonus marks being added, she was still unsure about her future.
“I want to pursue science and eventually do a medical course. Can you imagine us competing with students who have scored 100 per cent? And, all this even when many have scored more in academics without bonus marks. Why not introduce a credit sytem that does not affect the overall percentage,” she added.
Teresa David, principal of Laxmanrao Apte Prashala feels that though the initiative is a positive one, the consequences could have adverse effect of students. “ On one hand, this rule encourages parents to support the interests of their children, while on the other hand, it could have a depressing turn. With students scoring as high as 98 and 99 per cent, this gush of perfect scorers will make it more difficult for students to compete. It will also spike the cut-offs which is truly unfair.”
Less time to read?
Try Quickreads
-
Chandigarh administrator inspects Hallomajra school after reports of inadequacies
UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit on Saturday visited the Government High School in Hallomajra with UT adviser Dharam Pal and education department officials after reports of a few classes being taken under a tin shed in the sweltering heat. Purohit discussed making a new school in Hallomajra and asked for Class 9 and 10 students to be sent to the government school in Makhan Majra in the meantime.
-
Ludhiana: PESCO staffer booked for supplying contraband to jail inmates
A Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation employee has been booked for allegedly supplying contraband to two inmates of Borstal Jail. Superintendent of Borstal Jail, Anu Malik, told police that they had conducted a surprise check on Friday and recovered ₹200, tobacco and six intoxicant pills from inmates Pandav Das and Raj Kumar. During questioning, the duo told them that PESCO employee Jasvir Singh used to smuggle the contraband into the jail and sell it to them.
-
Former U-15 cricketer Gulzar Inder Chahal set for innings as PCA president
Punjab Cricket Association is headed for a major overhaul, with former Under-15 World Cup-winning team member and actor Gulzar Inder Chahal set to become the state body's president replacing noted Punjab industrialist Rajinder Gupta, who resigned from the post last month after completing two terms. The duo is expected to be keenly contributing to PCA in the upcoming season. Hailing from Patiala, Chahal, who was the treasurer of the state Congress party committee for a brief period will be the youngest PCA chief.
-
Chandigarh | 3 booked for impersonating candidates in firemen recruitment test
Three persons were booked after they were caught impersonating candidates during the physical test for firemen posts, conducted at Police Lines, Sector 26, Chandigarh, on Saturday. The Chandigarh municipal corporation, in its communique to the UT police, stated that during verification, it was found that the face of candidates Aman, Vikram Singh, and Anand -- all from Haryana -- did not match the photo available on the admit card issued by Panjab University, Chandigarh.
-
Ludhiana MC issues notices to 302 shop owners over non-payment of dues
The Ludhiana municipal corporation has issued notices to 302 shop owners for non-payment of rent and property tax. MC superintendent Vivek Verma said that many shop owners have not paid the rent for the last eight years and property tax since it was imposed by the state government in 2013-14. He added that the properties will be sealed if the owners fail to clear dues.
