The State government’s move to reduce the pass marks for class X exams from 35 to 33 has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. While private school managements and parents’ associations have welcomed the decision, educationists have opposed it.
The State government on Thursday issued a gazette notification reducing the pass percentage for SSLC exams from 35 to 33.
Developmental educationist V.P. Niranjanaradhya said the move was a reflection of “our educational bankruptcy and the poor quality education”. “The 33% mark requirement for passing the class X exam originated during the colonial era, introduced with the first matriculation examination in 1858. The British, who had a 65 average pass percentage in their country, came up with a standard that is based on scorn, contempt, and discrimination, thinking that Indians are “half as capable” as their own citizens,” he said.
“We have now completed about 165 (1858-2025) years of education, and there is an urgent need to raise the average pass percentage to at least 50% and the minimum subject-wise marks to at least 40. Instead we are going back,” he argued.
Private schools and parents’ association welcome decision
