New Delhi, Sep 7 - The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will scrap its Class 10 Board exams from 2011 and introduce in its place a nine-point grading system, it was announced Monday. The decision drew mixed response from students, child specialists and school administrators.

Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal told a news conference:

'There will be no Class 10 board examination from 2011.' The last of the Class 10 CBSE Board examination will take place in March-April 2010.

But the minister clarified that the exams would very much take place this academic year.

From 2011, the evaluation of the students would be based exclusively on a nine-point grading system. But this will be introduced this academic year itself.

'This academic year, there will be both a Board examination and a grading system,' the minister said.

Under the new system, there will be nine grades: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D, E1 and E2.

A1 grade will be considered 'exceptional', A2 will be 'excellent', B1 'very good', B2 'good', C1 'fair' and C2 'average'.

Grade D students will be classified 'below-average' and those graded E1 will get a 'needs improvement' label. Those at the bottom of the pile will get an 'unsatisfactory' remark on the certificate.

According to the authorities, the 'exceptional' grade will be equivalent to a score of 91-100 percent in the conventional exams.

Usha Ram, principal of Laxman Public School, hailed the announcement.

'Its a great reform. I welcome the step,' Usha Ram told IANS. 'I don't believe this new system will affect the outcome of Class 12 or performance of the students.'

Shashank, a Class 9 student of the Bharat National Public School, was thrilled.

'I am very happy that I don't have to face the dreaded Class 10 board examination. For sure, it will reduce students stress in a major way,' he added.