
For years, Indian parents have been under the relentless pressure to ensure their children achieve near-perfect scores in Class 12 board exams. The belief that such exceptional grades are the only key – for admission into prestigious colleges has been deeply ingrained in our society.
This also led to proliferation of the CBSE curriculum and overwhelming focus just on academics in many schools – as CBSE was the easiest curriculum to score relatively higher marks in class 12 Boards.
However, the landscape of college admissions is rapidly changing, and it’s time to debunk the myth of getting 99.99% or such high marks in class 12 Boards.
The Shift in Admissions Criteria
- CUET Scores Take Centre Stage: The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has gained significant importance in college admissions. Many universities now prioritize CUET scores over Class 12 marks, providing a level playing field for students from different boards and backgrounds. For students interested in the sciences – especially engineering/medicine – again there are similar to CUET common entrance tests, which are widely used for entrance instead of the earlier class 12 board results in many/most colleges.
So notice a gentle shift that is on now – and that Schools & coaching institutes are now focussing more on displaying scores of their students in CUET/ other entrance tests – not class 12 board results.
- Holistic Evaluation: Colleges in India, similar to practices overseas, are now increasingly adopting a holistic approach to admissions, especially for post grad courses – considering factors beyond just academic scores. This includes extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, community service, and personal essays.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Institutions are striving to create diverse and inclusive campuses. This means that they value a variety of perspectives and experiences, not just high scores/GPAs.
- Practical Skills and Experience: Colleges are seeking candidates who have practical life skills and real-world experience. Internships, projects, and certifications can be more valuable than just high grades.
WHY CHASING 99.99% ISN’T NECESSARY NOW?
Besides above disruptive changes that have quietly taken place in India, following matter too:
- Mental Health: The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to immense stress and anxiety for students. It’s important to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
- Lost Opportunities: Focusing solely on grades can cause students to miss out on valuable opportunities like extracurricular activities, internships, and community service.
- Reduced Creativity: Excessive pressure to achieve high scores can stifle creativity and innovation.
SO WHAT MATTERS MORE THAN GRADES?
Marks should be merely used as a mechanism to benchmark & improve v/s others in the class/school/region/board/country – but not be seen anymore as an all-consuming – overwhelming goal.
Its of course desirable to get good marks/grades none the less.
But let that not be the overwhelming goal for you and your child dear parent – as earlier!
Overall holistic development, including reasonably good academic scores (e.g. being in the top quartile – say 70% +++ ) is now considered good !

- Passion and Purpose: Students who are passionate about their interests and have a clear purpose are more likely to succeed in college and life.
- Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to think critically, analyse problems, and find solutions is highly valued by colleges.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, behaviour and cultural dimensions are essential for success in both academic and professional settings.
AND WHATS THE RIGHT APPROACH?
A BALANCED APPROACH
While it’s important to strive for academic excellence, it’s equally important to focus on other aspects of a student’s development.
Encourage your child to explore their interests, participate in extracurricular activities, and develop a well-rounded personality.
Things have already changed – and the FUTURE is further evolving – so look for schools that encourage holistic learning & development in their children – not just tom, tom their class 10 & class 12 marks – of their students.
Remember, a 99.99% mark is not a guaranteed ticket to success in life. What truly matters is a combination of academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, good behaviour & life skills, confidence & values, and a strong personal drive. Enough and more research is now validating this conclusion.
Look around you – the younger people who you see evolving on the path to success – and not 99.99%+ marks types anymore.
Help your child focus on building a well-rounded profile, and they’ll be well-prepared for a bright future.
Overall, all these are great developments – as India’s education sector continues to evolve under our new education policy (NEP) under a phased roll out.
What are your thoughts on the changing landscape of school education & college admissions in India?
Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.
the Sixth Element School values & encourages all of above
why – the Sixth Element?
Very simply, the Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back, to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – so important for children’s development – as we nurture, and get them ready for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )

Some examples of what’s done on instilling values & character building:
- Instil values: Understanding differences between right or wrong, is discussed in its many facets often. As also discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum, with its emphasis on global citizenship and community service, fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your own food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rain water harvesting, recycling, etc
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher helps build self-esteem. By setting and achieving goals, students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory, where children learn experientially about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning, nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become not only successful individuals, but equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes by lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low density, impactful format
Reason why we chose Cambridge International curriculum is because the blend of teacher directed as well as learner self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – weather based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see for yourself why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon ‘activities enriched’ daycare centers are unique, exclusive compact neighborhood green campuses – where a lot of outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) takes place with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only 2 sections per each class grade – and very limited children on campus, allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high quality, committed teachers – the very backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the right methods and practices. As an example – our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with xfit kids , our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches – give a great foundational fitness and start to our school kids.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and our planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYZING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY, WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLL OUT IN INDIA NOW. So in line with some of India’s top and globally the very best : we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the school children love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES