As the new academic year begins, schools across Tajikistan have introduced a 10-point grading system, replacing the traditional 5-grade scale.  The Ministry of Education says the reform aims to provide a more accurate assessment of students’ knowledge, increase objectivity, and align the education system with international standards.

Under the new system, teachers will be able to evaluate student performance with greater flexibility, offering more nuanced feedback than the conventional marks of "3", "4", or "5".

The change, however, has sparked mixed reactions among citizens. Some parents and educators welcome the reform, believing it gives students more opportunities to demonstrate their progress — even minor efforts can now earn a score above a failing grade.

But not everyone is convinced. Critics, including parents and students, worry that the transition may lead to confusion and added stress during the adaptation period.

To gauge public sentiment, we asked Dushanbe residents how they feel about the new grading system.