Patna: The Bihar government has introduced a new grading system for students in the state’s primary schools in an effort to improve the quality of education and ensure that children do not fall behind in their studies. The initiative will be implemented across all 71,297 government primary schools in the state.
Under the new system, approximately 13.37 million students studying in these schools will be assessed and categorised into five grades based on their performance in annual examinations. The move is intended to help teachers identify learning gaps among students and provide targeted academic support.
Students will be graded from A to E, depending on the marks they obtain in their annual exams. Authorities said particular attention will be given to students who receive C, D and E grades, with additional academic support aimed at helping them improve and move into higher categories such as A and B.
The system will come into effect from the ongoing academic session and will apply to all primary schools run by the state. A similar grading framework is already followed in schools affiliated with the CBSE.
Officials said the decision forms part of broader reforms in school education following the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises improving foundational learning and addressing disparities in classroom performance.
To ensure the system is implemented effectively, the education department has directed the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to prepare a detailed action plan. Schools are expected to receive the guidelines for implementation by April.
Authorities also indicated that the grading framework may be expanded to secondary and higher secondary schools in the future.
Grading structure under the new system:
- A grade: 81–100% marks
- B grade: 61–80% marks
- C grade: 41–60% marks
- D grade: 33–40% marks
- E grade: 0–32% marks
Officials say the reform is aimed at strengthening assessment practices and ensuring that struggling students receive additional academic support early in their schooling.
