Increased pass rate in HSC encouraging
We are happy to learn that the pass rate of this year's HSC exams has increased by a significant margin—from 64.55 percent last year to 71.85 percent this year. According to the teachers, students, guardians and the members of the education board, this has happened due to better performance of the students in English and physics. The average pass rate in English and physics rose by 18.75 and 8.47 percentage points respectively in the eight boards this year. Apparently, better results in English have also increased the number of GPA-5 achievers.
While these are all very encouraging news, the fact that none of the students in 41 colleges across the country have passed the exams is very disappointing. Therefore, while we appreciate the efforts given by both students and teachers for this year's success, we would also like to point to some of the facts which remain big barriers in providing quality education to our students. Since the schools with zero pass rate are mostly situated in villages, it can be said that there still remains a big gap between the urban and rural colleges in providing quality education.
The education ministry should take some basic steps such as increasing the number of skilled teachers, ensuring library and lab facilities at all the educational institutions, as well as improving the overall academic environment in the rural schools and colleges to bridge this rural-urban gap. The teacher-student ratio in the rural colleges should also be increased to a standard level. In addition, the problem of not having qualified teachers in English, mathematics, and physics in the rural schools and colleges should be addressed with due importance. In other words, ensuring equal opportunities for both rural and urban students is something the government should seriously look into.
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