Mauritius uses assessed marks for cancelled Cambridge exams

The Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) has announced that students unable to sit for the SC and HSC Cambridge exams on October 13 will be evaluated using the ‘Assessed Marks’ system. This method, previously used in 2021 during heavy rainfall, calculates grades based on a student’s performance in other completed international examinations rather than school-based marks.

The decision follows the cancellation of certain papers due to unrest in the country. The MES stated that this measure aims to ensure equitable treatment for all candidates, including those competing for laureate titles or scholarships, and that these marks will not appear on official certificates.

However, the move has drawn scrutiny. Representatives from the Government Hindi Teachers' Union have called for transparency, expressing concerns regarding how these calculated grades might impact scholarship eligibility and the overall fairness of the process. While the MES maintains that students will not be penalized, parents and candidates continue to seek clarity on the calculation modalities.