Thiruvananthapuram: Students enrolled in state-syllabus schools participating in national-level sports events will receive more grace marks in SSLC and higher secondary examinations from the upcoming academic year onwards. The government has further announced grace marks for all students securing the first eight positions in state-level sports meets. Additionally, the government will introduce grace marks for the school social service schemes.

While students securing the first prize in national-level events will continue to receive 50 grace marks, those coming second will get 45 marks instead of the current 40,  students placed third will be awarded 40 marks instead of the current 30, and 35 marks will be granted for participation compared to 25 marks at present.

Similarly, students securing the top four places in state-level sports events organised by the General Education Department and associations recognised by the Kerala Sports Council were awarded 20, 17, 14, and 7 grace marks last year. According to the new decisions, the marks for fourth place have been increased to 10.  

From next year onwards, students finishing in places 5 to 8 in General Education Department events will receive grace marks of 8, 6, 4 and 2, respectively. The grace marks for school social service schemes are 25 for Grade A, 15 for Grade B and 10 for Grade C.

The current grace marks will continue to apply to all other categories. However, students securing 90 per cent or above in examinations will not be eligible for grace marks.