The decision, taken by the Governing Body of the Board recently, is being seen as a way out to remove the maths hurdle without waiving its requirement.

"We are working on the understanding that maths is acompulsory subject at the secondary level as suggested by the National Curriculum Framework 2005. But we are trying to introduce some flexibility and a way out for those who cannot do well in it, yet want to do well in life. Asking these students to first cross the hurdle in maths and then think of further progress in life is absurd. Thus, this policy,'' CBSE Chairman Ashok Ganguly told The Indian Express.

The first compartment exam is held in July, the second in March the next year, the third in July the following year. For those students who choose to drop maths after their second attempt, the CBSE Board is willing to let the candidate take a subject she might not even have studied in Class X.

"Students who fail the first compulsory Board exam and then the Compartment in July can opt for another subject. There will be scope for extended learning, that is, if the student has not learnt the chosen subject but has completed extended learning by himself.. we will encourage and provide flexibility to such a student. He can then take the exam in March,'' said Ganguly.

What about those students who have already taken six subjects in the CBSE board exam and have passed in all except math? "We are working on an alternative for them as well".