Maharashtra: Students Sit for CBSE Re-test Despite Scoring 90%

Following the release of the CBSE Class 10 results, a new trend has emerged that has taken many by surprise. Numerous students who secured 90 per cent marks or higher have decided to appear for a re-test or improvement examination. According to the new regulations set by the Central Board of Secondary Education, students are permitted to retake examinations in up to three subjects to improve their scores.

Consequently, even high-scoring students are now opting to retake exams in the chase of even better results. While securing 90% was previously regarded as a major achievement, for many today, even that is no longer deemed sufficient. In my opinion, while this trend opens up new roads of opportunity on one hand, it simultaneously places additional pressure on the students on the other. Therefore, it is crucial to understand this phenomenon in its proper context.

For many, 90% is no longer the ultimate goal. For instance, someone who scored 93% now aspires to reach 97%. Others, despite having secured 97%, are retaking exams because they received a lower score in Mathematics. In my opinion, the level of competition has become so intense that students now consider every single mark to be crucial.

This year, the CBSE has provided an opportunity allowing students to retake examinations in up to three subjects in order to improve their scores. By utilising this opportunity, many believe that gaining admission to a good college will become easier, that they will be able to clear the admission cut-offs, that their self-confidence will be boosted, and that achieving a perfect score is within reach.

In Mumbai's BMC schools, 339 students appeared for the examinations. Of these, 35 students secured a score of over 90%. Nevertheless, approximately 64 students are preparing to sit for a retest. This indicates that the focus has now shifted beyond merely passing; the priority is now on score improvement. According to school principals, Mathematics and English are the subjects most frequently chosen for re-tests, as improving scores in these two subjects leads to a rapid increase in the overall percentage.

Aarya Lamne, one of the city's top scorers who achieved 97.80%, is also planning to retake the examination. According to her, she received slightly lower marks in Mathematics than expected, and she wishes to improve that score. This demonstrates that the option of a re-test is not limited only to academically weaker students. Furthermore, at RN Podar School, approximately 30% of the students have registered for the re-examination; many of them have already secured admission to Class 11, yet they are still striving to achieve even better scores.