Every year, Class 12 state board students in Tamil Nadu who apply for re-totalling in biology pay significantly more than those applying for other subjects, even though the revaluation cost remains the same. Officials attribute this discrepancy to the unique structure of the biology subject.
Why Biology Re-totalling Costs More
Although biology is classified as a single subject with one exam, it comprises two sub-topics: zoology and botany. Questions under these sub-topics are written on separate answer sheets and graded by two different faculty members. Students can only apply for revaluation or re-totalling for the entire subject, even if they only want to recheck one sub-topic.
“As a result, the entire paper is checked by two different teachers. This is why re-totalling for biology costs at least ₹50 to ₹100 more depending on the number of students who have applied,” a school head explained.
Cost Breakdown
This year, re-totalling for biology costs ₹305, while other subjects cost ₹205 each. However, the revaluation cost for biology remains the same as for other subjects at ₹505.
An official from the directorate of government exams stated that the current process does not allow students to apply for question-wise or subsection revaluation, as seen in boards like CBSE. “So, students have to apply for revaluation or recheck under the specified subject code,” he added.
Decision Not to Increase Revaluation Fee
The board decided not to charge more for revaluation despite the extra work involved, as the cost was already ₹505. “Increasing it further would lead to objections,” the official said.
Director of Government Exams K Sasikala noted that the practice is common and could not be changed for this year alone.
Student Associations Call for Streamlining
Student associations argue that the department could streamline the process, especially if thousands of students stand to benefit. “The system could either be upgraded or the department should not charge more. There could be an option for students to choose the subject and specific questions for revaluation,” said S Arumainathan of the TN Students Parents’ Welfare Association.
