In a move that has invoked mixed reactions from the parent and teacher communities, the Maharashtra government has now reduced the marks required to pass the exam to 20 on 100 against a previous requisite of 35 for SSC students in maths and science.

This was announced in its new school curriculum framework. However, the government has announced that students will be marked as ‘passed’ on their mark sheets and a special note will indicate that they cannot pursue maths or science courses.

The education department mooted this proposal with an aim at pushing students to pursue humanities and arts who may otherwise drop out if they fail in grade 10 and be unable to pursue higher education.

Sharad Gosavi, chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, said the change in passing marks will not be implemented from this year. “This will come into place as and when the new curriculum is implemented across the state,” Gosavi said.

Rahul Rekhawar, director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), said “Failing in mathematics or science, and in effect in SSC, often leaves students with no opportunities to continue their education, even if their strengths lie elsewhere. This change is designed to ensure that students are not unfairly pushed out of the system and can still pursue their academic and career aspirations,” he said.

However, officials clarified that this was being provided as an option. If the student chooses, she can appear for the supplementary exam and regular exam the next year, pass the subjects, and get a new mark sheet based on the revised scores.

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