Dunes Academy · CBSE Affiliated · No. 1731202
Examinations &
Grading System
A transparent, CBSE-aligned assessment framework that measures what matters — from curiosity in Class I to board-level excellence in Class XII.
Stage-Wise Framework
Assessment Across Every Stage
Each stage of schooling calls for a different approach to evaluation — from playful activity-based learning to rigorous board preparation.
Classes I – V
Primary Stage
- Activity-based, hands-on assessments
- Portfolio projects and oral tasks
- Continuous observation by class teachers
- Written tests introduced progressively
- Formative + summative balance
- No high-stakes single examination
Classes VI – VIII
Middle Stage
- Periodic tests (3 per year per subject)
- Notebook submission & subject enrichment
- Half-yearly term examinations
- Annual term examinations
- Lab work and practicals introduced
- Co-scholastic assessment tracked
Classes IX – X
Secondary Stage
- CBSE-pattern internal assessments
- 3 periodic tests per subject
- Pre-board examinations (Term I & II)
- CBSE Board Examination — Class X
- Internal marks: 20 · Board: 80
- Science practicals evaluated separately
Classes XI – XII
Senior Secondary Stage
- Unit tests and half-yearly exams
- Subject-specific practical examinations
- Pre-board I & Pre-board II
- CBSE Board Examination — Class XII
- Science + Commerce streams offered
- CBSE Practical: 30 marks per science subject
CBSE Grading Scale
The 9-Point Grading System
CBSE uses a nine-point grading scale for Classes IX–XII. Each grade reflects a marks range and is awarded per subject.
| Grade | Marks Range | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 91 – 100% | Outstanding |
| A2 | 81 – 90% | Excellent |
| B1 | 71 – 80% | Very Good |
| B2 | 61 – 70% | Good |
| C1 | 51 – 60% | Satisfactory |
| C2 | 41 – 50% | Average |
| D | 33 – 40% | Below Average |
| E | Below 33% | Needs Improvement |
Understanding Your Report Card
What Your Grade Means
CBSE assigns individual subject grades — not a single aggregate percentage — for Classes IX and X, allowing students and parents to track performance subject by subject with clarity.
For Classes XI and XII, final marks are reported both as a percentage and a grade, and form part of the CBSE marksheet issued directly by the Board.
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
For Classes IX–X, CBSE calculates CGPA by averaging grade points across five main subjects. Multiply CGPA × 9.5 for an indicative overall percentage.
Practical Marks
Science subjects at the secondary and senior secondary stages carry a practical component assessed internally. These marks form part of the final CBSE grade.
Co-Scholastic Assessment
Co-curricular activities, sports, and discipline are recorded on the report card using a 5-point letter scale (A–E) — separate from academic grades.
Proven Results
Our Students Achieve — Consistently
Dunes Academy's examination results reflect both rigorous preparation and a learning environment where every student is genuinely supported. Our Class XII topper scored 97.83% in 2023–24; our Class X topper reached 94% in 2024–25.
These outcomes are the product of structured periodic testing, dedicated pre-board preparation, and a faculty committed to individual progress.
Session 2026 – 27
Annual Examination Schedule
Key assessment milestones across the academic year for Classes VI–XII. Primary stage assessments are continuous and announced separately.
Term I — April to September
April 2026
Session Commencement
New academic year begins. Diagnostic assessments conducted for Classes VI–XII to inform teaching plans.
June – July 2026
Periodic Test I
First formal written test of the year. Covers syllabus taught up to completion of the first unit. 25-mark paper format.
September 2026
Half-Yearly Examinations
End-of-Term I examination for all classes. Full syllabus from April–September. Results shared with parents by October.
Term II — October to March
November 2026
Periodic Test II
Second periodic test covering Term II syllabus to date. Classes IX–XII also include revision of Term I topics.
January 2027
Pre-Board Examinations
Intensive pre-board preparation and examination for Classes X & XII, simulating the CBSE Board exam format and timing.
February – March 2027
Annual & CBSE Board Exams
Annual examinations for Classes VI–IX and XI. CBSE Board Examinations for Classes X and XII as per the official CBSE timetable.
Exact examination dates are communicated to students and parents via the school almanac and the academic calendar notice at the start of each session. Parents are notified at least 21 days before each major examination.
Our Philosophy
How We Approach Assessment
Examinations at Dunes Academy are not about ranking — they are about understanding where every child stands and how to help them grow.
Continuous & Comprehensive
CCE principles guide our assessment at the primary and middle stages — evaluating learning holistically, not just through written tests.
Transparent Marking
Students receive detailed feedback on answer scripts. Parents can request to review marked papers during scheduled Parent-Teacher Meetings.
Remedial Support
Students scoring below expectations receive targeted remediation sessions before the next assessment cycle — identified early, addressed promptly.
Fair & Inclusive
Examination conditions follow CBSE norms for special needs students. Extra time and scribes are arranged in line with CBSE guidelines.
Practical Orientation
Science and vocational subjects carry practical components — assessed in our CBSE-compliant labs with documented observation records.
Progress Tracking
Performance across all assessments is tracked termly. Parents receive a comprehensive report card twice a year plus PTM updates.
Common Questions
Examination & Grading FAQs
Answers to the questions parents ask most about assessments, grades, and results at Dunes Academy.
How many examinations are held in an academic year?
Classes VI–XII have two Periodic Tests per term (four across the year), Half-Yearly Examinations at the end of Term I, and Annual Examinations at the end of Term II. Classes X and XII additionally sit Pre-Board Examinations before the CBSE Board Exams. Primary classes follow a continuous assessment model with no high-stakes single exam.
What is the passing criterion for CBSE students?
Students must secure a minimum of 33% marks in both Theory and Practical (where applicable) for each subject to be considered as passed by CBSE. The corresponding minimum grade is D on the 9-point scale. School internal assessments follow the same threshold.
Are grades given instead of percentage marks for Classes IX and X?
Yes. CBSE awards grades (A1 to E) for Classes IX and X on the official marksheet, along with Cumulative Grade Points (CGPA). Individual subject marks are provided on school report cards for transparency and tracking. For Classes XI and XII, actual percentage marks appear on the CBSE marksheet alongside the corresponding grade.
How does internal assessment contribute to the final CBSE grade?
For Classes IX–X, internal assessment (20 marks) covers periodic tests (10 marks), notebook submissions (5 marks), and subject enrichment activities (5 marks). For Classes XI–XII, practical subjects carry 30 marks internally assessed. All internal marks are submitted to CBSE and form part of the final result.
When and how are report cards shared with parents?
Report cards are issued twice a year: after Half-Yearly Examinations (October) and after Annual Examinations (April–May). Periodic Test results are shared directly with students and discussed at the termly Parent-Teacher Meetings. Parents may contact the class teacher or academic coordinator for mid-term progress updates.
What support is available if my child scores poorly in an examination?
Students identified as struggling after a Periodic Test or Half-Yearly Examination are placed in structured remedial sessions before the next assessment. Subject teachers conduct additional doubt-clearing classes, and boarding students benefit from supervised evening study periods. Parents are contacted proactively when a student's performance needs attention.
Join Dunes Academy
Prepare Your Child for Consistent Excellence
Our structured examination framework, transparent grading, and dedicated faculty give every student the best possible foundation for CBSE success.