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CBSE Class 12 Mark Inflation: 247% Rise in 95% Scorers vs 76% Student Growth Over Decade Spurs CUET Shift

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Target:UPSCMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
03 May 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:247% growth in 95% scorers (2015-25)76% growth in total candidates (2015-25)2025 CBSE Class 12 candidates: 16,92,7942025 95%+ scorers: 24,867CUET launched in 2022
Bodies:CBSENTA
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What This Article Covers

1.Between 2015 and 2025, CBSE Class 12 candidates grew by 76% (9.6L to 16.9L), but 95%+ scorers surged by 247% (7,162 to 24,867).

2.The inflation of marks, linked partly to 'moderation', rendered board marks ineffective for filtering, causing 100% cut-offs and prompting the nationwide adoption of CUET from 2022.

3.The trend highlights a critical challenge in India's education assessment system, questioning the reliability of board exams as a sole merit metric for higher education.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

An analysis of CBSE Class 12 results from 2015-2025 reveals severe mark inflation, with the number of students scoring 95% and above increasing by 247% while the total candidate pool grew by only 76%. This trend eroded the utility of board marks for university admissions, directly leading to the systemic shift towards the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Growth in 95%+ Scorers (2015-25)247%
Growth in Total Candidates (2015-25)76%
CBSE Class 12 Candidates (2025)16,92,794
95%+ Scorers (2025)24,867
CUET Launch Year2022

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Growth in 95%+ Scorers (2015-25): 247%
  • ›Growth in Total Candidates (2015-25): 76%
  • ›Target this Data: 247% growth in CBSE 95% scorers vs 76% student growth (2015-25).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and National Testing Agency (NTA) for CUET.
  • ›Target this Policy Shift: Introduction of CUET in 2022 to counter board mark inflation.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which organization conducts the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions in India?

Q2Statement-basedMedium

Consider the following statements regarding CBSE Class 12 mark inflation trends:

1. Between 2015 and 2025, the number of CBSE Class 12 candidates increased by 76%, while students scoring 95% and above increased by 247%.

2. The practice of 'moderation of marks' by school boards was a significant factor contributing to the consistent rise in high scores over the years.

3. The introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in 2021 was a direct policy response to the ineffectiveness of board marks in differentiating candidates for university admissions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the CBSE data cited in the article, what was the number of students who scored 95 per cent or above in the Class 12 examination in the year 2025?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was the primary systemic consequence of the high mark inflation in CBSE Class 12 results that led to a major policy change in university admissions?

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