Compartment vs Supplementary vs Improvement Exam: Key Differences

Compartment & Supplementary exams are the same and are held for students who failed to secure passing marks in one or two subjects. Improvement exam is held for those who want to increase their marks. 

Compartment/Supplementary vs Improvement Exam

Compartment & Supplementary exams are same. Some boards call it as compartment exam and some other as supplementary exam. Improvement exam is conducted so that students get a chance to improve their scores even after passing the exam. Supplementary/Compartment exams are held for students who failed in one or two subjects. This exam is held so that students complete Class 12 without wasting the entire year. Once students clear the compartment exam, the board issue revised marksheet. Those who choose improvement exam, their best of two scores are taken into consideration.

Now boards are moving to more flexible system by conducting exams twice a year. Students can choose to appear for improvement exam in the same academic cycle. In this article, we have discussed regarding compartment/supplementary and improvement exam. Read below for more details.

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What if I fail in Board Exams?

What if I failed in one or two subjects in Board exams?

What is Improvement Exam in Boards?

Various state and national level exam boards offers students second chance to improve their scores if they are not happy with the same. This exam is held for students who have already cleared their board exams. The improvement exam is held along with compartment exam.

• Eligibility: Passed Class 12 in current year or immediate previous year.
• Subjects: Allowed to improve scores in specific subjects
• Score policy: Best of two scores are considered. In case the improvement score is less than the original one. In such a case, original score is retained.
• Marksheet: The board issues new marksheet which will reflect improved score.
• Registration: Students can register as private candidates using their original roll number and school details.

What is Compartment/Supplementary Exam?

Compartment/supplementary exam is conducted for students who are unable to secure the minimum passing marks of 33 per cent in one or two subjects. If board marks your result as ‘Comp’. This means you are placed under compartment category and haven’t failed entire year. The Board gives second chance to save the academic year. After clearing compartment exam, the result status gets changed to ‘Pass’. It is mandatory to appear in compartment exam if you want to take admission in higher studies.

Compartment vs improvement Exam: Key Difference

Some of the differences between compartment and improvement exam are given below.

Exam Purpose

You take an improvement exam to increase your score. The compartment exam is taken by students not to repeat entire academic year.

Result Status

To sit for an improvement paper, your result must include ‘Pass’. To appear for a compartment paper, your result should state ‘Compartment’.

Impact on the Marksheet

In improvement cases, separate fresh marksheet is released. 

How to Apply for Compartment/Improvement Exam?

The process to apply for compartment/improvement exam is given below.

• Regular students must contact their respective schools. They need to apply online through schools
• The school handles the form submission and fee payment.
• Private candidates can directly apply online
• Students need to pay the fee per subject