Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed the state education department to award joint first positions to students who secure equal marks in board examinations. The decision came after a Class 10 girl from a government school raised the issue during a public interaction, questioning why two students with identical scores were given different ranks.
Girl's Question Sparks Change
During a recent event, the student asked the Chief Minister why the current system ranked one student higher than another despite both obtaining the same marks. She argued that this practice was unfair and demotivating for students. Impressed by her reasoning, Mann immediately announced that the policy would be revised.
Government's Response
The Chief Minister instructed the Punjab School Education Board to amend the ranking criteria for all future examinations. Under the new directive, students with equal aggregate marks will share the first position, eliminating the use of tie-breakers like marks in specific subjects or age. This change applies to both Class 10 and Class 12 board results.
Impact on Students
Education experts have welcomed the move, stating that it promotes fairness and reduces stress among students. The decision is expected to benefit hundreds of students who previously lost out on top ranks due to minor differences in subject-wise scores. The girl who raised the question has been praised for her courage and civic awareness.
Previous Practices and Criticism
Earlier, the Punjab board used a tie-breaking formula that considered marks in compulsory subjects, followed by age preference. Critics argued that this system was arbitrary and did not reflect true merit. The new policy aligns with practices in some other states and central boards that already award joint ranks for equal scores.
Implementation Timeline
The education department has been asked to implement the change immediately for ongoing examinations and ensure that all future results reflect the revised policy. The Chief Minister also announced that a formal notification will be issued within a week.
