Chennai: Students who attempted the fourth one-mark question in the Class 10 Social Science public examination will receive a bonus mark, the School Education Department said on Monday.

The decision comes in the wake of discrepancies identified in the fourth question of the one-mark section, which reportedly contained contradictory statements. The question referred to social reformer Jyotiba Phule, stating both that he opened hostels for the destitute and shelters for widows, and that he opposed child marriage and supported widow remarriage.

Following appeals from teachers, who pointed out the conflicting nature of the options and requested due consideration for students, the examination department has decided to award one bonus mark to all students who attempted the question.

The announcement was made while evaluation of the answer scripts for the Class 10 public exams is underway across the state.