Bringing internal marks back key to jump in pass percentage in Maharashtra SSC result, say experts

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“This made a difference to majority of students, and is a good move. State board students are usually at a disadvantage when their marks are compared to students of CBSE and ICSE. But this time, it will be a level playing field for all. This may further aggravate competition during college admissions, but the system will accommodate everyone,” said Shashishekhar Chauhan, principal of St Lawrence High School, Kandivali.

Principals said the increase in marks was particularly seen in language papers. “In all three languages — Hindi, Marathi and English — there has been an increase,” Chauhan said.

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This year, the Marathi exam was relatively easy as compared to last year, said Sheela Manore, principal of St Aloysius School, adding that last year, marks went down, especially in Marathi.

While internal exams could be beneficial for students, some schools do not implement it properly. “Internal marks should be based on continuous and comprehensive evaluation along with oral exams. There should be transparency in the process. This can happen if external teachers conduct orals,” said Basanti Roy, former secretary of the state board Basanti Roy.