Bio bias: class 12 state board students applying for re-totalling in biology always pay more

Chennai: Every year, Class 12 state board students applying for re-totalling in biology pay more than those applying for other subjects — even though the revaluation cost remains the same.

The reason, officials say, is due to the way in which the subject is structured. While the subject is classified as ‘biology’ and has only one exam, it comes with two sub-topics (zoology and botany). While questions under these sub-topics are written on two different sheets and graded by two different faculty, students can apply for revaluation or re-totalling only for the entire subject even if they want to re-total or recheck for only one of these sub-topics.

“As a result, the entire paper is checked by two different teachers. This is why re-totalling for biology costs at least ₹50 to ₹100 more depending on the number of students who have applied,” a school head said. This year, re-totalling for biology costs ₹305 while other subjects cost ₹205 each. The revaluation cost for the paper was the same as others (₹505).

An official from the directorate of government exams said that the current process does not allow students to apply for question-wise or a particular subsection, as seen in the revaluation process of boards like the CBSE. “So, students have to apply for revaluation or recheck under the specified subject code,” he added.

The board decided not to charge more for revaluation as the cost was already ₹505 although it involves more work. “Increasing it further would lead to objections,” he said.

Director of Government Exams K Sasikala said the practice was common and could not be changed for this year alone.

Students’ associations said that the department could streamline the process, especially if there was a scope to do so and if thousands of students stand to benefit. “The system could either be upgraded or the department should not charge more. There could be an option for students to choose the subject and specific questions for revaluation,” said S Arumainathan, TN Students Parents’ Welfare Association.