Now,optional subjects will also count for PSEB Class X students

The decision,however,is likely to affect permutations in the merit list positions. Teachers express apprehensions that many meritorious students may miss out as they focused on the main subjects,without according much importance to the optional subjects,the marks for which were not added until recently.

Principal of R S Model Senior Secondary School,Shastri Nagar,M L Kalra said: “We were not told about the decision earlier. Had the PSEB intimated us about the decision before the exams,our students would have prepared accordingly. The results of meritorious students will get affected.”

It is mandatory for Class X students to opt for one of the optional subjects,which include physical education,drawing,Sanskrit,Urdu and computer education.

Sarika and Shiwani,both students,express their apprehensions. “We worked hard for subjects like mathematics,science,English,social studies,Hindi and Punjabi. The approach to optional subjects was to secure passing marks,” said Sarika.

President of the Association of PSEB-Affiliated Schools,Punjab,Rajinder Sharma,said,“The decision is a welcome step as it will help check school dropout rates. When the marks of optional subjects will be added to the aggregate marks,the overall score for most students will increase.”

A senior official with the PSEB,Mohali,said,“The rule is for all. We will declare the results tomorrow. The overall pass percentage of students will definitely improve.”