Reshma Ravishanker

A revaluation of her board exam papers helped Bhavana TS gain her #1 rank in Karnataka Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (SSLC) which faulty evaluation had otherwise denied.

Bhavana, the daughter of a cab driver in Bengaluru is a student of BNR Public School. When the state board class X results were announced last month, it was to her and school staff’s disbelief that she had secured a 620 on 625 score.

Confident that she had answered all questions perfectly, this student applied to seek copies of her evaluated answer scripts from the board. What followed was a detailed discussion with her school teachers who recommended that she apply for revaluation.

“I was taken aback when I saw that I did not get 100% marks. When I saw the key answers shared by the board, I was convinced that I was not at fault,” she said.

She earned one mark in English and four additional marks in science to secure the 100% score. This also included objective questions. Bhavana said that she did not take tutorials and her school’s extra classes and revision helped her ace.

“The school teachers completed teaching us as prescribed in the syllabus by December. From January onwards, we were in school from 8 am to 8.30 pm. Innumerable exams were conducted. Preparatory exams were held every week. Guest faculty were invited to take classes. All of this boosted our performance,” she said.

Bhavana’s family had their share of challenges. “My father is a cab driver and my mother, a homemaker. My father paid my fee in several installments, as and when the family could afford it. My school was aware of our situation and never put any pressure in this regard. They have been very considerate,” she said.

Bhushan, principal, BNR Public School said, “I was shocked to see that this student had not secured 100% marks. It was unfair for her. Several other students who had to also secure very high marks have scored much less because of the evaluation.”

Late recognition

Meanwhile, D Shashi Kumar, general secretary, Associated Managements of Private Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) cried foul over the delayed recognition. “The government proudly announced in the SSLC results that only one student of a government school had secured a perfect score. It is only because of faulty evaluation that this child has been denied the limelight and due recognition. The chief minister must set this right, meet this student as well and offer her the same financial remuneration offered to the other student as a mark of recognition,” he said.

Also read: Karnataka: Poor SSLC results put students at disadvantage in PUC admissions