Bihar Board marksheets to replace ‘fail’ with ‘eligible for skills’ to protect students’ morale

Students appearing for the Bihar Board Class 10 and Class 12 examinations may soon find a significant change in the way their results are recorded. The Bihar Education Department has decided to remove the word “fail” from marksheets and replace it with “Kaushal ke liye patra”, meaning “eligible for skills,” according to media reports.The move is aimed at ensuring that examination performance does not become a label for a student’s overall ability or potential. Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced the proposed change at a review meeting on Thursday, saying the rules would be amended and the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) would subsequently issue the required instructions.

Bihar Board to remove ‘fail’ from Class 10, 12 marksheets

The Education Department’s decision marks a shift in how students who do not secure the required marks are represented in official academic documents.Tiwari said a student’s inability to achieve the expected score in an examination should not automatically be seen as an indication of limited talent. According to the minister, the language used in examination certificates should help preserve students’ confidence rather than discourage them.The department is therefore preparing to amend the existing rules so that the term “fail” is no longer printed on the marksheets of students who are unable to clear an examination.The BSEB will be responsible for implementing the revised terminology after receiving formal directions from the Education Department.

Special classes planned for Matric supplementary examination

Alongside the proposed change in marksheet terminology, Bihar is also planning additional academic support for students appearing for the Matric supplementary examination.The Education Department intends to organise special classes for one month to help such students prepare more effectively. The initiative is expected to provide additional academic support to candidates who have another opportunity to clear the examination.Officials said the classes will focus on strengthening preparation and improving students’ chances of passing the supplementary examination. The move is part of a broader attempt to provide remedial support rather than allowing students to fall behind after an unsuccessful examination attempt.

Bihar expands focus beyond conventional classroom learning

The decision on examination certificates comes against the backdrop of several changes being introduced in Bihar’s school education system.The state has been attempting to give students greater exposure to activities beyond conventional textbook-based teaching. One of the recent measures is the introduction of a “no-bag day” on Saturdays in government schools.Under the arrangement announced on August 6, following Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s announcement, government schools will operate from 9.30 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. From Monday to Friday, schools will continue to function from 9.30 am to 4 pm.For Classes 1 to 8, academic and other activities will continue until noon. Students will then have their midday meal between noon and 12.40 pm before being allowed to leave.In secondary and higher secondary schools, teaching and other scheduled activities will continue until 1 pm.

‘No-bag day’ to bring creative activities into schools

The Saturday initiative is intended to give students opportunities to participate in activities that may receive less attention during regular classroom teaching.Officials said students will be exposed to areas such as theatre, music and other creative pursuits on the no-bag day. The Education Department also plans to appoint teachers with expertise in art and music to support these activities.The initiative reflects an effort to make school education more diverse, allowing students to develop interests and abilities outside conventional academic subjects.Teachers will also have additional responsibilities after their regular classroom duties. According to officials, they will spend an hour on tasks such as lesson planning, assessment, maintaining teacher diaries, checking homework, laboratory management and remedial teaching, depending on the requirements of the school.

Teachers’ Day preparations also reviewed

The Education Minister made the announcement about the marksheets during a review meeting that also examined preparations for the state-level Teachers’ Day programme scheduled for September 5 at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall.Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is expected to inaugurate the event and launch a Teacher Cooperation Portal. The two Deputy Chief Ministers are also expected to participate in the programme.As part of the Teachers’ Day celebrations, one teacher from every district will be selected for a state award. Children from 10 model schools in Patna, identified as Saraswati Vidya Niketan schools, will also be invited.Teachers associated with District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and other teacher-training centres are also expected to participate.

Bihar also announces women’s university

Separately, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the proposed establishment of a women’s university in Bihar at an event on Thursday.The proposed institution is expected to have women occupying roles across its academic and administrative structure. According to the announcement, the university would have women as students as well as officials and employees, including the vice-chancellor, professors and other staff.The proposal adds to a series of education-related announcements in the state, with the government seeking to expand opportunities while also changing the way schools approach academic performance, student development and classroom learning.The proposed removal of the word “fail” from Bihar Board marksheets is particularly significant in this context. While examination results will continue to determine academic progression, the government’s decision seeks to ensure that a poor result is not allowed to become a permanent judgement on a student’s abilities.