In a major step towards ensuring fairness and transparency in the education system, the Punjab Government has approved a new policy under which students securing identical marks in Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) examinations will be awarded the same rank, regardless of their age. The move effectively ends the long-standing practice of using date of birth as a tie-breaker for determining merit positions.
The decision comes after a Class 10 student from Amritsar raised concerns over the existing ranking system during a state-level student felicitation event. The student questioned why candidates who scored the same marks were placed at different positions in the merit list solely on the basis of age. The issue drew widespread attention and sparked discussions on the need for a more equitable evaluation system.
Taking note of the concern, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann directed the education department and PSEB officials to review the rule. Following deliberations, the board approved the implementation of the “Equal Marks, Equal Rank” policy, ensuring that academic performance remains the only criterion for determining rankings.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains termed the decision a student-centric reform aimed at strengthening merit-based evaluation. He said the new system would eliminate unnecessary disparities and ensure that students receiving the same marks are accorded equal recognition.
Educationists and parents have welcomed the move, describing it as a progressive reform that aligns with modern educational principles. They believe the change will boost students’ confidence and reinforce the importance of merit and fairness in academic assessments.
The policy is expected to benefit thousands of students across Punjab and marks another significant step in the state’s efforts to modernize and improve its education system.
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