Patna, Aug 29: The Bihar government has decided to remove the word "Fail" from Class 10 (Matric) and Class 12 (Inter) marksheets and use the term "Eligible for Skill" instead, the state Education Minister announced on Thursday. The move is aimed at preserving students' morale and signalling alternative pathways for those who do not achieve expected marks in board examinations.
Decision and implementation
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the rules will be amended and the state Education Department will issue necessary directions to the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) to implement the change. The announcement was made during a review meeting at the Madan Mohan Auditorium in Vikas Bhawan.
"Not scoring the expected marks in an examination does not erase a child's potential. Therefore, words like 'Fail' will not be used on certificates," the minister said.
The minister also said the government will arrange special one-month classes for students who will be appearing in the Matric compartment examinations to help them improve their performance.
Scope and immediate consequences
The change applies to marksheets and certificates issued to students of Class 10 and Class 12 under the state board. The exact wording of the rules to be amended and the date from which the new terminology will appear on documents will be notified by the Education Department in due course.
- Replacing term: 'Fail' will be replaced by 'Eligible for Skill' on Matric and Inter certificates.
- Administrative step: Rules will be amended; Education Department to direct BSEB.
- Student support: One-month special classes planned for Matric compartment examinees.
Wider context and government actions reviewed
At the same meeting, Mr Tiwari reviewed preparations for the Teachers' Day function scheduled for 5 September at Shri Krishna Memorial Hall. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will inaugurate the event, which will be attended by both Deputy Chief Ministers. On the occasion the chief minister is expected to launch a new Teacher Support Portal, and one teacher from each district will be honoured with a State Award, the minister said.
Students from 10 model schools in Patna, designated as Saraswati Vidya Niketan, and teachers from DIETs, SCERT and teacher training centres will be invited to the ceremony. The minister also directed officials to monitor income and expenditure of education departments, including the Bihar Education Project Council, and to ensure effective implementation of schemes and proper utilisation of resources.
Implications for students and educators
The replacement of the term 'Fail' with 'Eligible for Skill' reflects an emphasis on alternative certification language and skill-oriented messaging for students who do not clear board examinations on first attempt. Advocates of such changes argue that language on official documents can affect students' self-esteem and future choices, while critics may raise questions about clarity for employers, higher education institutions and other boards that rely on standard terminology.
The state has not yet published the amended rule text or the sample format of the revised certificate. The Education Department's forthcoming directive to the BSEB should clarify the precise implementation timeline, the appearance of the revised wording on online and printed certificates, and any instructions for schools and examination centres.
What students and parents should watch for
Families and students awaiting official clarification are advised to look for the Education Department's notification and subsequent communication from the BSEB, which will set out:
- the effective date for the new wording on certificates,
- how compartment and re‑examination results will be reported, and
- details of the one‑month preparatory classes for Matric compartment candidates.
The Education Department's orders and the BSEB's formats will be the authoritative sources for eligibility criteria, certificate wording and administrative procedures.
Note: This report is based on the state minister's announcement and the meeting review; formal notifications from the Bihar Education Department and the BSEB are expected to provide full details.
