Kerala Increases Grace Marks for SSLC and Higher Secondary Exams 2025: Full Details

In a welcome move for thousands of students across the state, the Kerala Education Department has officially increased the grace marks awarded for SSLC (Class 10) and Higher Secondary (Plus Two) examinations starting from the 2025 academic year. This policy change is aimed at acknowledging and encouraging students who actively participate in extracurricular activities such as arts, sports, NCC, Scouts & Guides, and more.

📌 What Are Grace Marks?

Grace marks are additional marks awarded to students for their participation and achievements in co-curricular and extracurricular activities. These marks are added to the final exam scores and can often make the difference between a pass or fail, or between different grade levels.

They’re awarded for:

State/National level participation in sports

Arts festivals, music, dance, and drama competitions

Involvement in NCC, NSS, Scouts & Guides

Science fairs, exhibitions, and social service

🔼What’s New in 2025?

Higher Maximum GraceMarks: The upper limit of grace marks has been increased for various activity categories. For example, state-level participation in arts or sports will now yield more marks than before.

Expanded Eligibility: More types of programs and competitions are now recognized. For example, newer categories like school innovation clubs, environmental awareness campaigns, and state-recognized community services may also be eligible.

Simplified Application Process: Students and schools can now submit participation certificates and documentation through a streamlined online process, making it easier and quicker for grace marks to be approved.

🎯 Who Benefits?

This move benefits students who:

Have actively participated in co-curricular activities

Missed passing by a small margin

Are on the borderline of achieving a higher grade (e.g., from B+ to A grade)

Are applying for courses where even a 1% difference in marks matters.

📄 Important Points for Students

Students must submit valid and attested certificates from recognized bodies (like sports councils, education departments, etc.).

Grace marks will only be added if they improve the final result—if they don’t help the student move up a grade or pass, they won’t be added.

Each student can earn grace marks from multiple activities, but only up to a maximum limit set by the board.

🧠 Why This Matters

This policy reflects a positive shift in how academic performance is evaluated in Kerala. It places value on holistic student development, encouraging talents beyond textbooks. It also reduces exam pressure and motivates students to stay active in arts and social activities.

The increase in grace marks for SSLC and Higher Secondary students is more than just a policy update—it's a sign that the Kerala education system is evolving to support well-rounded learning. With this change, thousands of students will be able to secure better grades, open up new opportunities, and gain recognition for their efforts both inside and outside the classroom.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Kerala Education Department as the 2025 exams approach!

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