Government Guidelines About Result and Gradesheets Every School Should Know

A comprehensive guide for schools, teachers, parents, and students on Nepal's grading system and result management

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Introduction

The education landscape in Nepal has undergone significant transformation since 2016, when the Government of Nepal introduced the letter grading system through the Education Act 2016. This marked a paradigm shift from the traditional percentage-based evaluation to a more holistic Grade Point Average (GPA) system. As we navigate through the academic year 2082 BS, it's crucial for every school to understand and properly implement the government's guidelines on results and gradesheets.

The transition from the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) to the Secondary Education Examination (SEE), and the adoption of grading systems by the National Examination Board (NEB) for Grade 11 and 12, represent Nepal's commitment to align with international educational standards while reducing unnecessary pressure on students.

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Understanding the Legal Framework

Government Authority and Implementation

The grading system in Nepal is governed by three key authorities:

1. Education Act 2016 - The primary legislation that mandates the grading system
2. Curriculum Development Center (CDC) - Under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Sanothimi, Bhaktapur
3. National Examination Board (NEB) - Responsible for conducting and managing SEE, Grade 11, and Grade 12 examinations

Important: These three authorities work together to ensure standardized evaluation across all schools in Nepal. All grading guidelines must comply with their official directives.

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The Official Grading System Explained

The official grading table is as follows:

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How to Calculate Grade Point Average (GPA)

Basic GPA Calculation Formula

The GPA calculation is straightforward and follows this simple formula:

GPA = Sum of all Grade Points ÷ Total Number of Subjects

Step-by-Step Calculation Example

Let's consider a student's SEE result with 8 subjects:

GPA Calculation (Step-by-Step):

GPA = (3.2 + 2.8 + 3.6 + 3.2 + 2.8 + 4.0 + 3.6 + 3.2) ÷ 8
GPA = 26.4 ÷ 8
GPA = 3.3

✅ Final Result: The student's overall grade would be B+ with a GPA of 3.3

CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)

For students appearing in multiple examinations (like Grade 11 and Grade 12), CGPA represents the cumulative performance:

CGPA = Sum of grade points obtained in all main subjects across all semesters ÷ Total number of subjects

Converting GPA to Percentage (Approximate)

While the CDC emphasizes that percentage conversion is only an approximation and not exact, the commonly used formula is:

Percentage ≈ CGPA × 25

Example:

• If a student has a CGPA of 3.2
• Approximate Percentage = 3.2 × 25 = 80%

Important Note: This is an approximation only. The official gradesheet will show only letter grades and GPA, not percentages.

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Critical Guidelines for Schools: What NOT to Display

⚠️ Critical Compliance Alert: These guidelines are mandatory for all schools. Failure to comply may result in penalties and loss of official recognition.

The government has implemented specific guidelines to protect students' well-being and promote holistic education:

1. Prohibition on Displaying Numerical Marks

According to CDC guidelines, when examinations are conducted by NEB and other education boards:

• Actual numerical scores should NOT be shown on official gradesheets
• Only letter grades and grade points should be displayed
• Numerical scores may only be shown in internal assessments by schools

Why? This eliminates unhealthy competition based on minor mark differences and reduces academic pressure.

2. No Student Rankings

Schools are strongly discouraged from:

• Publishing merit lists or position holders
• Ranking students based on GPA
• Creating comparative charts between students
• Displaying "toppers" or "first position" announcements

Why? Rankings create unnecessary pressure and can negatively impact students' mental health and self-esteem.

3. Avoiding Percentage Display

Best practices include:

• Gradesheets should not prominently display percentage equivalents
• Focus on grade descriptors (Outstanding, Excellent, Very Good, etc.)
• Educate stakeholders that percentages are approximations, not exact values

Why? The grading system was introduced to move away from the percentage-based evaluation that created excessive stress on students.

4. No Pass/Fail Labels

The CDC has decided:

• "Pass" or "Fail" terminology should not appear on mark sheets
• Students receive "Non-Graded (NG)" if they don't meet minimum requirements
• This removes the stigma associated with failure and maintains student dignity

Why? To reduce psychological pressure and provide students with opportunities for improvement through supplementary examinations.

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The Philosophy Behind the Grading System

Key Objectives

1. Reducing Academic Pressure

   • Eliminates the stress of scoring every single mark
   • Focuses on competency levels rather than exact scores
   • Removes the stigma of "failing"

2. Global Alignment

   • Makes Nepal's education system compatible with international standards
   • Facilitates easier evaluation for students applying to foreign universities
   • Adopts best practices from education systems worldwide

3. Holistic Evaluation

   • Evaluates students across different proficiency levels
   • Considers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills
   • Encourages continuous and comprehensive evaluation

4. Promoting Healthy Learning

   • Shifts focus from rote memorization to conceptual understanding
   • Encourages students to identify and work on their weaknesses
   • Creates a more supportive learning environment

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Minimum Requirements and Non-Graded (NG) Status

For SEE (Class 10)

Minimum Requirement:

Students must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• At least D+ grade (1.6 GP) or 35% in the theoretical component of each subject
• For subjects with practical components, minimum 40% is required in practical examinations

If Student Gets NG:

Students receiving NG status have clear pathways forward:

• Students with NG in up to 2 subjects can appear for supplementary (chance) examinations
• Students have up to 3 chances to pass the exam
• Schools must conduct opportunity exams immediately for students with NG in up to 2 subjects

Note: Students with NG in 3 or more subjects must wait until the next regular examination.

For Grade 11 and Grade 12

Minimum Requirement:

• Students must obtain at least D grade (1.6 GP) in theoretical examinations
• For practical subjects, minimum C grade is required in both theory and practical separately
• Students need qualifying grades in 7 out of 8 subjects in Class 10 to be promoted
• For Class 11 and 12, students need qualifying grades in 4 out of 5 subjects in Class 12

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Result Management and Certificate Issuance

Official Result Checking Channels

Students can check their SEE and NEB results through multiple authorized platforms:

Online Websites:

• NEB Official website - www.neb.gov.np/results
• Nepal Telecom Portal - www.neb.ntc.net.np
• SEE Portal - www.see.gov.np

SMS Service:

• Nepal Telecom: Send "SEE [Symbol Number]" to 1600
• Other providers: Send symbol number to 34949

IVR (Interactive Voice Response):

• Dial 1600 from Nepal Telecom lines
• Follow voice instructions

USSD:

• Dial *1600# from Nepal Telecom SIM
• Follow on-screen instructions

Certificate and Gradesheet Fees (Updated 2082)

💰 Transparent Pricing: Official fees as per NEB guidelines. Schools must not charge more than these amounts.

⚠️ Important: Schools are legally required to not charge students more than the prescribed fees. Report overcharging to local education authorities immediately.

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Re-evaluation and Grade Improvement Options

Re-totaling (Re-checking)

Students dissatisfied with their grades can:

• Apply for re-totaling within 15 days of result publication
• Pay Rs. 500 per subject
• Submit online application through official NEB portals
• Use downloaded gradesheet from official websites for application

Supplementary (Grade Increment) Examinations

Eligibility:

• Regular candidates who received NG in one or two subjects
• Students who remained absent in examinations
• Those wanting to improve their grades

Key Points:

• Students can appear for supplementary exams up to 3 times
• Specific schedules are published by NEB
• Separate fees apply for grade increment examinations

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Best Practices for Schools

Pro Tip: Following these practices creates a healthier school environment and ensures compliance with government guidelines.

Gradesheet Display and Communication

1. Display Only Letter Grades and GPA

   • Avoid showing exact marks on public displays
   • Use descriptive terms (Outstanding, Excellent, Very Good, etc.)
   • Focus on growth indicators and improvement trends

2. Parent Communication

   • Educate parents about the grading system during orientation
   • Explain why percentages are approximate conversions
   • Focus conversations on student growth and personalized improvement plans
   • Address concerns about college admissions with specific data

3. Student Support

   • Provide counseling and mentoring for students receiving lower grades
   • Create personalized improvement plans for students with NG status
   • Celebrate all achievements, not just high grades
   • Emphasize effort and progress over absolute rankings

4. Documentation

   • Maintain proper records of internal assessments
   • Follow CDC guidelines for continuous evaluation
   • Keep detailed grade calculation records for audits
   • Ensure data privacy and secure storage

Internal Assessment Guidelines

Schools conducting internal assessments should:

• Base evaluations on core learning outcomes defined by CDC
• Consider classroom participation and engagement
• Include project work and practical applications
• Conduct continuous and comprehensive evaluation throughout the year
• Avoid single-test evaluation at year-end
• Provide regular feedback to help students improve

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Common Misconceptions Clarified

Myth vs. Reality

Myth 1: "GPA can be exactly converted to percentage" Reality: GPA represents a range of performance. While approximate conversions exist (CGPA × 25), they are not precise and should not be officially used.

Myth 2: "Students don't fail anymore" Reality: Students still need to meet minimum requirements (35% theory, 40% practical). Those who don't receive "Non-Graded" status and must appear for supplementary exams.

Myth 3: "Internal grades don't matter" Reality: Final grades combine both external examination performance and internal school assessments. Internal evaluations are crucial.

Myth 4: "All universities accept only GPA" Reality: While most Nepali institutions work with GPA, students can still request percentage certificates if required by foreign universities.

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Recent Updates for 2082 BS

Key Changes and Statistics

Exciting News: These statistics show the successful implementation of the new grading system across Nepal.

SEE 2081-82 Examination Details:

• Total Examinees: 514,071 students
• Regular Students: 421,585 (209,705 female, 211,857 male)
• Exam Centers: 2,079 nationwide
• Participating Schools: 11,216
• Pass Percentage: 61.81%
• Non-Graded Students: 167,597

Grade 12 2081-82 Examination Details:

• Exam Period: Baishakh 21 - Jestha 2, 2082 (May 4-16, 2025)
• Result Publication: Shrawan 19, 2082 (August 4, 2025)
• Total Examinees: 421,123 students
• Pass Rate: Over 52%
• Non-Graded: Approximately 47%

GPA Distribution (SEE 2081-82) - Student Performance Overview:

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Implementation Checklist for Schools

Administrative Compliance

✅ Staff Training

• Train all teachers on the grading system
• Conduct workshops on internal assessment
• Educate staff about prohibited practices (rankings, percentage displays)

✅ Student and Parent Education

• Hold orientation sessions explaining the grading system
• Provide written materials about GPA calculation
• Address concerns about college admissions

✅ Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of all assessments
• Store grade calculations securely
• Follow data protection guidelines

✅ Result Management

• Issue gradesheets following government format
• Use only authorized platforms for result publication
• Charge only prescribed fees for certificates

✅ Support Systems

• Establish counseling services for students
• Create remedial programs for struggling students
• Monitor student mental health and well-being

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Advantages of the Grading System

For Students

1. Reduced Stress - No need to worry about every single mark; focus on learning outcomes
2. Fair Evaluation - Focuses on competency development rather than rote memorization
3. International Recognition - Easier college application to global universities
4. Growth Mindset - Encourages learning from mistakes without stigma or shame
5. Holistic Development - Values multiple types of intelligence and diverse skill sets

For Teachers

1. Comprehensive Assessment - Evaluate multiple dimensions of student learning
2. Continuous Evaluation - Regular feedback opportunities throughout the year
3. Focus on Quality Teaching - Less emphasis on cramming, more on conceptual understanding
4. Pedagogical Flexibility - Design varied and creative assessment methods
5. Professional Empowerment - More autonomy in designing learning experiences

For Schools

1. Standards Alignment - Compliance with national and international education standards
2. Reduced Comparison Culture - Creates a healthier, more cooperative school environment
3. Better Support Systems - Focus on helping all students succeed rather than ranking them
4. Professional Development - Opportunities for continuous teacher training and growth
5. Positive Institutional Impact - Enhanced reputation for progressive education practices

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Challenges and Solutions

Common Challenges and How to Address Them

Challenge 1: Parent Confusion About the System

• Solution: Regular parent education sessions, clear communication, and accessible resources explaining the system
• Conduct quarterly parent workshops with practical examples
• Create simple infographics showing how GPA works
• Share success stories from other schools

Challenge 2: Overcoming Old Mindset About Percentages

• Solution: Continuous awareness campaigns, showcasing success stories, and emphasizing benefits
• Partner with educational psychologists for parent talks
• Share research on benefits of non-competitive grading
• Highlight student well-being improvements

Challenge 3: Handling Percentage Certificate Requests

• Solution: Provide official guidelines on when and how percentage certificates can be issued for specific purposes
• Keep CDC guidelines readily available
• Explain the approximate nature of conversions
• Document all requests for compliance

Challenge 4: Technology Access Issues

• Solution: Maintain multiple result checking channels (online, SMS, IVR) to ensure accessibility
• Partner with local telecom providers
• Establish community result checking centers
• Provide printed copies for digital-limited families

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Conclusion

The grading system introduced by the Government of Nepal represents a significant step forward in creating a more equitable, less stressful, and internationally aligned education system. As we progress through 2082 BS, it is essential that every school, teacher, parent, and student understands and properly implements these guidelines.

The shift from percentage-based evaluation to letter grading and GPA is not merely a technical change—it represents a philosophical transformation in how we view education, student assessment, and academic success. By eliminating rankings, percentages on gradesheets, and pass/fail labels, we create an environment where:

• Learning is valued over competition
• Growth is celebrated over perfection
• Every student has the opportunity to succeed
• Effort and progress are recognized and rewarded

Key Takeaways

Remember: These guidelines exist to create a better learning environment for all students.

1. Official Grading Standards - Official grading tables must be used for all result calculations
2. Simple GPA Formula - GPA = sum of grade points ÷ number of subjects
3. Display Guidelines - Schools must not display ranks, exact percentages, or comparative student data
4. Minimum Standards Apply - Minimum requirements exist (35% theory, 40% practical) despite the "no fail" philosophy
5. Support Systems Available - Multiple pathways exist including re-totaling and supplementary exams for improvement
6. Holistic Philosophy - The system aims to reduce pressure, align with global standards, and promote holistic development

Every school must ensure compliance with these government guidelines while maintaining the spirit of the reform: creating a healthier, more supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.

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References and Official Resources

Government Authorities

• Ministry of Education, Science and Technology - www.moe.gov.np
• Curriculum Development Center (CDC) - www.moecdc.gov.np
• National Examination Board (NEB) - www.neb.gov.np

Official Result Portals

• NEB Results Portal - www.neb.gov.np/results
• Nepal Telecom Results - www.neb.ntc.net.np
• SEE Official Portal - www.see.gov.np

Legal Framework

• Education Act 2016 (Eighth Amendment)
• Letter Grading Guide 2078
• CDC Grading System Guidelines 2082

For More Information

Schools, teachers, and parents seeking clarification on grading policies should contact:

• Local education offices
• National Examination Board, Sanothimi, Bhaktapur
• Curriculum Development Center

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This comprehensive guide has been compiled based on official government guidelines, NEB notifications, and CDC policies current as of 2082 BS. Schools should regularly check official government portals for any updates or modifications to these guidelines.