Schools flag poor quality of Class 10 marksheets after delay

Ahmedabad: Concerns over the delayed distribution and poor quality of Class 10 marksheets and certificates issued by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) have triggered strong reactions from schools and parents across the state.The board had declared the Class 10 results on May 6, but students received their mark sheets and certificates only on Friday, more than three weeks later. School management associations said the delay disrupted admission processes and created anxiety among students seeking admission to higher secondary schools and other institutions.Adding to the dissatisfaction, several schools have raised objections to the quality of the documents issued this year. Representatives of school management associations claimed that the marksheets and certificates were printed on paper that is thinner and inferior compared with previous years.Administrators from schools in multiple districts said they began receiving complaints from parents soon after the documents were distributed. Many expressed concern that the low-quality paper may not last long despite the documents being required throughout a student’s academic and professional life.“Class 10 and 12 marksheets are permanent records that students need for college admissions, competitive exams, govt recruitment and employment purposes. Such important documents should be printed on durable paper,” a school management association representative said.School administrators also pointed out that in earlier years, marksheets and certificates were usually made available to schools on the same day as when the results were declared, enabling students to complete admission formalities without delay. This year’s late distribution, they said, caused inconvenience for schools as well as students.The school management association has formally taken up the issue with the board secretary, demanding that fresh marksheets and certificates be issued on better-quality paper. The association has also urged the board to restore the earlier practice of providing documents immediately after the announcement of results.