No takers for better grades

This year, there are few takers for the class improvement programme, according to the application records with the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) Mumbai division. Through the programme SSC and HSC students can reappear for their board examinations in October (they must appear for all subjects).

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The class improvement programme was started three years ago and particularly benefits students who are not satisfied with their result or fail to secure admission for MBBS or engineering because of their low scores. However, in 2011, only five SSC students and 339 HSC students appeared for reexaminations under the programme.

This year, 581 HSC students have applied for the class improvement progamme, a significant difference from the lakhs of students who appear for the HSC exams during March. Not a single SSC board student has applied for the programme.

R Bhise, secretary of the MSBSHSE, Mumbai division, said, "Every year, many students fail to get admissions in the desired institutes. This programme could help students do better in college."
Iqbal Niyazi, a board member, said, "Something needs to be done to promote this programme. The board has called for a meeting on Monday where board members will discuss the issue."

Students have to pay double the fee to appear for the exams in October (Rs 600 instead of Rs 300). Since they can choose between their March and October exam results, the one they wish to do away with must be returned to the State Board. Students can appear for the October exam even after their first year college admissions.u00a0