Imphal, Mar 15 (Reporter) The High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination began on Friday, with 37715 students appearing in the examination in 157 centers. The examination was held without any problem, even though a 48-hour general strike began to oppose the arrest of three leaders of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF). The Manipur-based militant organization recently signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India. There was no disturbance in the movement of teachers and students, and security measures were taken up near the examination centers. The Manipur Education Department is introducing grades and grade points without display of marks in the mark statement certificate in the certificates issued by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur this year. Elangbam Sonia, Joint Secretary, Education-S, said the government felt that though competition amongst the students is good to improve one's performance, there is a need to see that it does not lead to stress or completely dishearten a minor. The grading system, on the other hand, reduces stress and burden on the students, helping them to learn with less stress without being overly competitive at their age, she said. Further, the present system of checking answer sheets and awarding marks is not without shortcomings. Answer sheets are checked by teachers, and each may have a method of evaluation. However, if the students are given grades that indicate a range, it is highly unlikely that the grade would be different irrespective of who checks the answer sheet. From this year on, no total marks or aggregates will be displayed in the document, no division or rank will be awarded, and only a pass or fail will be printed. Students will be graded from A to E, with E categorized as fail...////...