Education as we know it will never be the same again. From 2011, board exams for class 10 in all CBSE schools across the country will be history.

In one of the most radical reforms in the education sector, the Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal on Monday introduced the new grading system.

"This year there will be boards but instead of marks we will give grades. But from next year, no boards," Sibal said.

The nine-point grading system will work like this: Students with a certain percentage in marks will get an A1 grade with 10 points; those with slightly lower marks will get A2 with 9 points and so on till the grade E which will be considered unsatisfactory.

While this may take away the trauma of lakhs of CBSE students petrified of these exams, state boards are free to decide what they opt for.

And for students who have to switch to this new system mid-session, the ministry has introduced a system of exam on demand.

So for example, a student who wishes to move to a vocational course after class 10, will be put through one test, while someone who makes a transition from one board to another will take a different test

But some concerns remain.

Annie Koshi, Principal, St Mary's School says: "There are a huge number of kids that don't go on to 11th and 12th. And these children will need school-leaving examinations because they will join vocational courses and start their lives after 10th. I think the CBSE needs to address the issue that there might be some discrimination apparent in who takes the optional exam and who goes on to 11th and 12th."

To ensure a smooth transition, students currently in class 9 are being prepared for the new system which kicks in from 2011 when they will be graded in class 10.

They will now be assessed through the year on their knowledge, inter-personal skills, attitude and co-curricular activities by various oral and written tests and their performance in class.

The minister says he hopes will change the rote system of learning and revolutionise education in the country.