Punjab board exams: Equal marks students to get same rank, age-based tie-breaker removed
Punjab government has scrapped date-of-birth-based tie-breaker in board exams. Students securing equal marks will now receive the same rank as the state focuses on fair evaluation and competency-based learning
PTC Web Desk: In a major change to the state's examination system, the Punjab Government has decided to do away with the date-of-birth-based tie-breaker used in board examinations. Students who secure the same marks will now be awarded the same rank, regardless of their age.
The decision was taken after students raised the issue directly with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The government said the move is aimed at ensuring fairness and giving equal recognition to students with identical academic performance.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that age will no longer be considered while deciding ranks in cases where students obtain equal marks. He said the earlier system often led to concerns among students as ranking depended on age rather than merit.
The minister also revealed that the state is preparing significant changes in the examination pattern. Future board exams will focus more on competency-based questions that assess understanding, reasoning and analytical skills instead of memorisation.
According to Bains, the new approach is intended to encourage meaningful learning and help students develop practical knowledge rather than relying on rote learning.
On the issue of examination malpractice, the minister said the government will continue to take strict action against cheating and paper leaks. He reiterated the state's commitment to conducting fair and transparent examinations for all students.
The announcement comes at a time when Punjab has been recognised among the country's leading states in school education. Referring to the NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026, Bains said Punjab has performed strongly on several foundational learning indicators and has outpaced Kerala in key areas.
As per the report, 82 per cent of Punjab's Class 3 students achieved language proficiency, while 78 per cent demonstrated proficiency in mathematics. In comparison, Kerala recorded 75 per cent and 70 per cent, respectively. Punjab also registered better performance in Class 9 mathematics, scoring 52 per cent against Kerala's 45 per cent.
Calling it the beginning of a new chapter in education, Bains credited the achievement to continuous reforms, improved school infrastructure and the combined efforts of teachers, students and parents. He said the state government remains focused on further strengthening the quality of education in government schools across Punjab.