The Central Board for Secondary Education examinations for class tenth and twelfth students has begun today. More than 16 lakh students are appearing in these examinations at over 5,300 centres across the country and more than 100 centers outside the country. In Delhi, 2.47 lakh students will sit for the Class X examination while 1.99 lakh will appear for Class XII test.<br/><br/>This may be a last-ever Board exam in class X as it is proposed to make optional from the next session. For the first time, however, CBSE is bringing in the grading system in place of marks. Board expects that the new grading system will minimize misclassification of students on the basis of marks, eliminate unhealthy competition among students and reduce societal pressure. According to CBSE, more than 6.99 lakh candidates are appearing in examinations for class XII.<br/><br/>CBSE has made special arrangement for blind candidates, question papers of Mathematics and Science in Braille for class X blind students will also be provided. <br/><br/>The ICSE and ISC Board examinations also started from today.