Bihar government to replace ‘fail’ with ‘eligible for skills’ in Class 10, 12 marksheets

Bihar has decided to remove the word “fail” from the marksheets of students who pass Class 10 and 12 board examinations, replacing it with “eligible for skills.” This decision was announced by Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari on Friday, August 28, 2026. According to official statements, the change aims to protect the morale of students and emphasize that academic performance does not fully determine a person's abilities or future prospects. Instead of labeling students as having failed, the state will use the phrase “kaushal ke liye patra,” which translates to “eligible for skills.” Tiwari explained that the move follows growing concerns about the psychological impact of the word “fail” on students. He noted that some students had previously felt so demoralized by the term that they considered taking their lives after receiving their results. To address this, the minister stated that students appearing for the Class 10 supplementary examinations will receive additional support, including one month of special classes designed to aid their preparation and improve their chances of success. The decision was met with approval from students preparing for the Class 12 examinations, which are scheduled for February 2027. A group of students gathered outside a coaching institute in Kankerbagh, Patna, expressed relief and optimism. They emphasized that the change could significantly contribute to boosting student confidence and reducing the stigma associated with failure. One student remarked that the new terminology would make a meaningful difference in how young learners perceive their academic journey and future opportunities. In addition to the marksheet reform, the Bihar government has been addressing other educational challenges. Earlier in August, the state had resolved a long-standing dispute regarding the Teacher Recruitment Examination-4. Following the government’s agreement to hold the examination in a single phase, students who had protested against alleged irregularities in the process called off their demonstrations. The resolution marked a positive step toward restoring trust in the recruitment system. On the broader front, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and supporting both students and educators. On August 27, he launched the “Bihar Vidya Saathi” digital platform, which provides students from Classes 9 to 12 with 24-hour access to teachers and study resources. Approximately 75,000 teachers will offer personalized academic assistance, enabling students to select mentors based on their individual needs. The platform also includes AI-powered tools to enhance conceptual understanding and support preparation for competitive exams such as the JEE and NEET. Choudhary also inaugurated a program for 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan model schools through video conferencing. These schools, spread across the state, will benefit from enhanced guidance and access to advanced learning technologies. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to deliver high-quality education and ensure equitable access to learning resources. As these reforms take shape, the focus remains on creating a more supportive and inclusive educational environment. With changes to grading systems and increased investment in digital infrastructure, Bihar continues to explore ways to empower its youth and foster a culture of resilience and growth among students. The upcoming implementation of the revised marksheet policy and the expansion of educational support services are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of secondary education in the state.