CBSE explains marking rules for extra attempted questions amid re-evaluation queries

CBSE has issued a clarification on how marks are calculated when students attempt extra questions in board exams. The explanation comes after queries raised by students during the re-evaluation and OSM process over apparent discrepancies in total marks.

In Short

• Students flagged mismatches between scanned answer sheets and final mark totals
• Board said internal choice questions often see more answers than required
• The system includes the highest mark and flags others as over-attempt

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified how it calculates marks when students attempt more questions than required in board examinations.

The clarification comes amid concerns raised by students during the On-Screen Marking (OSM) re-evaluation process about differences between calculated marks and final totals.

CBSE said it has received several queries from students who reviewed scanned copies of their answer sheets and noticed differences in how marks were added up in the calculation sheet.

HOW EXTRA ANSWERS ARE TREATED

According to the board, many question papers include internal choices where students are required to attempt only one of the given options. In several cases, students attempt more than the required number of questions.

CBSE explained that in such situations, the system follows a fixed policy. It stated, "As a matter of policy, CBSE has always taken the best obtained marks by the candidate and mentioned the other question/subpart attempted as Over Attempt."

The marks from these extra attempts are not included in the final total.

WHAT THE ASTERISK (*) MEANS

The board further clarified that any question or sub-part not counted in the final score is marked with an asterisk symbol (*).

These marked entries indicate that the answer was evaluated but not included in the total calculation because a better score was already considered from another option.

CBSE said this system ensures fairness by awarding students the highest possible marks for each internal choice question.

EXAMPLE OF HOW IT WORKS

In one example shared by the board, Question 31 had two internal options — 31(a) and 31(b). A student scored 3 marks in 31(a) and 2 marks in 31(b).

CBSE wrote, "Hence, 3 marks awarded for question 31(a) have been taken in the total and there is an asterisk mark on 31 (b)_i_I and 31(b)_ii_ll with a foot note which reads marked marks are omitted for totalling," adding that the total of the candidate becomes 43.5 which have been rounded off to 44.

Read the official CBSE notification about clarification of marks of extra-attempted questions here

WHY THE CLARIFICATION MATTERS

The clarification aims to address confusion among students during the re-evaluation process, where scanned answer sheets and calculation sheets are now accessible under the OSM system.

CBSE wrote, "Hence, all candidates are requested to see the asterisk mark and the foot note given before calculating the total marks obtained and shown on the calculation sheet."

- Ends