“Earlier, students could do with only 20 marks and pass in the group securing 34 per cent,” said Mamata Roy, president of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education. Each student has to secure the minimum — “C grade” — in each subject, she added.

The Higher Secondary Board has already implemented the indirect grading from last year and the pass percentage has gone up by six this year.

There will be no additional subject, say board officials. Since there is no scope for aggregate marks, the additional subject will be treated as an individual subject.

The Secondary Education board is also contemplating the bifurcation of the syllabus of Classes IX and X, similar to the Higher Secondary format.

“We are thinking of similar measures undertaken by the Higher Secondary council. But a final decision has not been taken as yet,” said Roy.

Even teachers feel it is high time that grading was implemented in the Madhyamik examination.

“The grading system is being implemented in all other states. Teachers have welcomed the development,” said Deepak Das, the general secretary of the West Bengal Government Teachers’ Organisation.