The HRD Ministry has asked the CBSE to provide a revised proposal relating to replacement of marking system by grades in its Class X examinations.

The ministry last week asked the CBSE, which had submitted a proposal in this regard, to clarify certain issues, including how grading would be calculated, a source in CBSE said.

"We have been asked to submit a revised proposal on the matter, with details on calculation of grading and how it would be reflected in the certificates," the source said.

CBSE Examination Controller M C Sharma said that there are several models on grading. While some retain pass and fail system, others do not stick to the criteria.

The most popular system is the nine-point grading system which says that the whole range of marks would be distributed into nine grades. The last grade would be considered as unsatisfactory or poor grade.

Those securing over 90 per cent would get A grade indicating their outstanding performance in the test. Further grades would be A1, B, B1, C, C1, D, D1 and E.

The in-charge chairman of CBSE Veenith Joshi is heading the expert committee which will give the final shape to the grading model. Then it will be sent to the Ministry for approval, the source said.

Sibal had last week said the step aimed at reducing stress on students and parents. He also mooted the idea of making class-X board examination optional for promotion of students to class-XI in the same school. If accepted, the new system will come into force from 2010-11 sessions.