Bihar Board replaces 'fail' with 'eligible

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will replace the word 'fail' on Class 10 and 12 marksheets with the phrase 'Kaushal ke liye patra', meaning 'eligible for skills'. Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced the proposed change at a review meeting on Thursday, according to media reports cited by the source.

The decision marks a significant shift in how students who do not secure the required marks are represented. Tiwari argued that a student's inability to achieve an expected exam score should not be seen as an indication of limited talent. The language on certificates should preserve confidence, not discourage. The Bihar Education Department is preparing to amend existing rules to enact this change, with the BSEB responsible for implementing the revised terminology after receiving formal directions.

Special classes for supplementary exams

Alongside the terminology change, Bihar plans additional academic support. The Education Department intends to organise special classes for one month to help students prepare for the Matric supplementary examination. Officials stated these classes will focus on strengthening preparation and improving students' chances of passing. This initiative is part of a broader attempt to provide remedial support.

Broader changes to school education

The decision on marksheets comes amid other changes in Bihar's school education system. The state is attempting to give students greater exposure to activities beyond conventional textbook teaching. A key recent measure is the introduction of a 'no-bag day' on Saturdays in government schools.

Under this 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 leaving. In secondary and higher secondary schools, teaching and scheduled activities will continue until 1 pm.

Focus on creative activities

The Saturday 'no-bag day' is intended to give students opportunities in areas like theatre and music. Officials said students will be exposed to creative pursuits that receive less attention during regular teaching. The Education Department also plans to appoint teachers with expertise in art and music to support these activities.

Teachers will have additional responsibilities after regular duties. Officials stated they will spend an hour on tasks like lesson planning, assessment, maintaining diaries, checking homework, lab management, and remedial teaching, depending on school requirements.

Other announcements

The review meeting where Tiwari announced the marksheet change also examined preparations for the state-level Teachers' Day programme on 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.

As part of the 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 be invited. Teachers associated with District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), and other training centres are also expected to participate.

Separately, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the proposed establishment of a women's university in Bihar at an event on Thursday. The proposed institution would have women occupying roles across its academic and administrative structure, including as vice-chancellor, professors, officials, and employees.