CBSE has introduced new grading Pattern for class 10 students. There will be nine grades. The highest will be A1 (exceptional) with a grade point of 10 and a marks range of 91-100%. Second grade will be A2 (excellent) with a grade point of 9 and marks in the range of 81-90%. Third grade will be B1 (very good) with grade point of 8 and a marks range of 71-80%.
The fourth grade will be B2 (good) with a grade point of 7 and marks range of 61-70%. Fifth grade will be C1 (fair) with grade point of 6 and marks range of 51-60%. C2 (average) will be the sixth grade with grade point of 5 and marks range of 41-50%. D (below average) will be the seventh grade with 4 grade points and marks range of 33-40%. E1 (needs improvement) and E2 (unsatisfactory) are the last two grades.
Grading system based on continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) will be done in two terms (April-September, October-March). In a year, the school will conduct four formative and two summative assessments.
In the first term, there will be two formative assessments of 10% each and single summative assessment of 20%. In the second term also a similar format will be adopted. Formative assessment will carry 40% marks and summative assessment 60% marks.
CBSE also plans to offer an aptitude test that will be available by February 2010. By the time a student reaches Class XI, he/she would have undertaken the aptitude test twice, once at the end of Class IX and then at the end of Class X.
But since the grade system is being introduced in the middle of the academic session, students of Class IX — who will be the first batch not to take Class X board examination in 2011 — will have to go through two formative and one summative assessment in the October-March term in schools.
Application of Grading System for students appearing in March 2010 Exam : The exam will be same as it was last year. No change in syllabus, No change in evaluation system, No change in marking Scheme, No Change in assessment scheme, No change in projects and assignments, No Implementation of CCE, No implementation of Formative assessment or Summative assessment. The only change is Marks will be replaced with Grades this year.

Application of Grading System for students appearing in March 2011 Exam : There will be CCE based evaluation in school only. No Board Exams. Two Terms April-September and October-March). Formative assessment will carry 40% marks and summative assessment 60% marks. CBSE will issued detailed guidelines in September-October this year.