For the first time in five years, the pass percentage this year in the High School Certificate (HSC) examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) for Odia medium schools recorded below 80.
Only 76.23% students passed the Matriculation Examinations-2018, the results of which were published here on Sunday morning. Amid the news of question papers getting leaked every day, the examinations were held from February 23 to March 8.
There were initial hiccups during the evaluation of answer sheets as some senior teachers boycotted the process and the Board managed to complete the process within the scheduled period by engaging junior teachers from its reserved strength.
Changed pattern
Ever since the examination pattern changed to subjective and objective patterns of equal marks in 2012, the pass percentage showed an upward trend barring in the first two years. In 2014, record 80.97% students cleared the exams.
In 2015, the pass percentage was also pegged at 80.93; and in 2016, a total of 83.72% students passed the examination.
However, in 2017, the pass percentage for the first time in the history of the Board crossed 85to be pegged at 85.28.
But the fall in the pass percentage this year is viewed by some educationists as a course correction by the Board to ensure that only capable and deserving students are passed and sent up to pursue higher education.
‘No fail’ system
“With ‘no fail’ system introduced up to Class IX by the State government, the Board needs to make sure that the undeserving students do not crowd the college campuses,” said the Principal of a Plus II college here requesting anonymity.
From among the 5.54 lakh (5,54,339) students, who appeared for the examination as Regular students, 4.27 lakh (4,27,795) passed the examinations in various grades.
While 76.63% boys passed the examinations, the pass percentage of girls was a little better, pegged at 77.85.
State School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra released the result booklets here at the Board office.
The Department Secretary and Board officials were also present when Mr. Patra also released the booklets of Madhyama (Sanskrit) and Open School Certificate Examination results.
