After backlash from chief minister, Karnataka to withdraw grace marks in SSLC examination

“The instances of copying during exams have been curbed due to the reforms we introduced in last year’s exams. Students are now fully aware of the system in place, and there is no fear or confusion among them. Hence, there is no longer a need to grant grace marks,” the minister said.

Bangarappa also mentioned that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had expressed dissatisfaction with the department’s previous decisions on awarding grace marks. “The Chief Minister was also upset with us,” Bangarappa revealed, recalling a review meeting held a few months ago.

During the meeting, Siddaramaiah questioned the rationale behind awarding grace marks and directed the department to discontinue the practice.

In the March/April 2024 SSLC exams, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) awarded 20 per cent grace marks to boost results, which had dropped by 30 per cent due to stricter anti-malpractice measures such as web casting.

As a result, around 1.70 lakh students who had failed, were promoted, and the overall pass rate increased by 20 per cent. Officials clarified that of the 20 per cent grace marks, 10 per cent were initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, while the remaining 10 per cent were granted in light of the recent reforms. However, as per the minister’s announcement, even the 10 per cent grace introduced during the pandemic will be abolished from this year onwards. Bangarappa added that he plans to discuss the matter further with the Chief Minister in an upcoming meeting.