Securing a good percentage in exams acts as a catalyst for success by providing early advantages in academic, personal, and career development. High scores often act as a gatekeeper, determining access to prestigious institutions and scholarships, which places high achievers ahead of others. There was an era that many students geta disqualified because they unable to make it to the cut off marks. Even a slight differences in their score make them miss the train. Later on the marking system is upgraded to grading system and this brought a fair evaluation system. But will the grading system could prove effective. That is the biggest question to ask.
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In my school days, most of the marks were measured on percentile methods. The percentage system of marking is highly competitive because it provides a precise, numerical, and absolute measurement of a student's academic performance, where even a fraction of a percent can determine a ranking or selection. There used to be a competitiveness among our friends. We always wanted to know who were ahead of us so that we can improve ourself. The curiosity to so better is what kept us going and help us to achieve better success. Percentages show exactly where a competitor stands, highlighting small gaps that can be closed, prompting individuals to work harder to bridge those gaps. However, the introduction of grading system brings about a lot of changes.
In a sea of endless options, finding this gem feels like striking gold. 💎
The introduction of grading system shift the ranking focus from absolute marks to relative performance. Instead of just using raw numerical marks, it converts scores into symbols—such as letter grades (A - F), percentages (0 - 100%), or grade points (e.g., 10 point scale) — to indicate proficiency levels. The shift from numerical percentages to letter grades (e.g., 91–100 vs. A1) reduces the "0.5 mark" difference obsession, reducing stress. When the system changed to grading system, it took me a while to understand the ranking. It was strange to find ourself with with other bunch of student. Itbecome difficult to choose rhe topper on the basis of grading. I always wish to scrap the exiting evaluation system.. but drilling dip on it I found it to be a point of high debate.
Scrapping the traditional student evaluation system based on percentages and rankings is a complex issue with strong arguments on both sides. While moving away from these systems can reduce stress and encourage a focus on learning, it can also lead to challenges in motivation and difficulty in benchmarking students for competitive admissions or jobs. Ranking systems provide a quick method for colleges and employers to differentiate between thousands of applicants. In my understanding, whether it is "okay" depends on whether the education system focuses on preparing students for future competition (which ranks help) or on fostering individual growth and mental wellness (which removing ranks helps).
In good faith - Peace!!
