Bihar to Replace ‘Fail’ With ‘Eligible for Skills’ on Class 10 and 12 Marksheets
In an initiative aimed at safeguarding student morale, the Bihar government has decided to remove the word “fail” from Class 10 and Class 12 board examination marksheets, substituting it with the phrase “eligible for skills” (“kaushal ke liye patra”). State Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari announced the measure, stating that an examination score should not define a student’s broader talent or future prospects.
What Happened
Speaking on August 28, 2026, Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari declared that marksheet terminology will be formally revised across Bihar. Under the proposed change, the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will eliminate “fail” and instead print “eligible for skills” for students who do not secure passing grades. Mr. Tiwari confirmed that the State Education Department will amend existing regulations and dispatch official instructions to the BSEB.
Alongside the terminology update, the minister revealed that candidates appearing for the Class 10 supplementary examinations will be provided with one month of dedicated special preparatory classes to support their academic progress.
Key Highlights
- Revised Certification Terminology: The phrase “kaushal ke liye patra” (“eligible for skills”) will formally replace “fail” on Bihar board marksheets for secondary and senior secondary students.
- Preparatory Assistance: Students preparing for Class 10 board supplementary tests will receive a month of special coaching classes.
- Digital Learning Initiatives: On August 27, the state introduced “Bihar Vidya Saathi,” a continuous round-the-clock digital learning platform serving students from Classes 9 through 12, supported by roughly 75,000 instructors providing individual guidance.
- Model School Upgrades: A learning platform incorporating AI-driven learning tools and preparation materials for board exams, JEE, and NEET was launched across 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan Model schools.
- Teacher Recognition: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is scheduled to launch the “Teacher Support Portal” on Teachers’ Day, September 5, during which one instructor from every district will receive a State-level honour.
- Recruitment Protests Resolved: Candidates in Gardanibagh, Patna, ended their agitation after the state government agreed to hold the Teacher Recruitment Examination-4 (TRE-4) in a single phase.
Why This Matters
The state administration has highlighted that examination outcomes do not encompass the full range of a child’s capabilities. Students preparing for the Class 12 examinations in February 2027 welcomed the decision outside coaching centers in Kankerbagh, Patna, noting that eliminating the term “fail” helps reduce the social stigma and psychological pressure historically linked to school evaluation results.
What to Watch Next
The Bihar Education Department is expected to issue formal directives to the Bihar School Examination Board to formally enact the rule adjustments. Additionally, the launch of the Teacher Support Portal and the presentation of district teacher honours are scheduled for September 5, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What phrase will replace ‘fail’ on Bihar board marksheets?
Mark sheets issued by the Bihar School Examination Board will feature the phrase “eligible for skills” (“kaushal ke liye patra”) instead of “fail” for Class 10 and Class 12 candidates.
What additional support is being offered to Class 10 supplementary candidates?
According to Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, students sitting for the Class 10 supplementary exams will be offered one month of special classes to assist their preparation.
What is Bihar Vidya Saathi?
Bihar Vidya Saathi is a 24-hour interactive learning digital platform launched for Classes 9 to 12. It provides continuous access to digital materials and individual instruction involving approximately 75,000 teachers.
Source: Reporting based on an official announcement by Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari as reported by The Hindu.