Shillong/Tura, May 23: Unheralded schools outperformed well-known educational institutions in the Meghalaya Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination whose results were declared today.
However, there was some controversy as the list of top 20 students was leaked online late last night, though the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE) had announced that results would be declared at 10 this morning.
An inquiry has been ordered into the leak, which was initially attributed to a "technical glitch".
Controversy apart, the results brought several unheralded schools into the limelight as they outstripped the sheen surrounding the much-acclaimed institutions.
Duyu Asung of St George Secondary School, Nongmynsong, Shillong shared the top position with Lamphrang Lyngdoh of the well-known R.K. Mission Higher Secondary School, Sohra, with 568 marks.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Asung said her dream had been realised. "I always dreamt of topping the SSLC examination but I did not expect it would come true. I thank my parents, teachers and friends who have supported me throughout," Asung, who wants to become a doctor, said.
St George principal Simon Joseph said Asung was an "exceptional student" who did not miss a single class. "This is the first time that our student has topped the SSLC exam. If they are disciplined and hardworking, there is no hurdle which can stop them from achieving success," he said.
Rahul Sen of Tura Don Bosco Secondary School came second. An elated Rahul said, "I always believed in myself and remained focused. I dedicate my success to the Almighty, my parents, teachers and all the well-wishers". He will pursue his senior secondary studies in science in the same school. "My dream is to be in academics", he said.
"Rahul is a disciplined and obedient child," said Subrata Sen, his proud father and a teacher of the same school.
"Rahul is an exceptional students and very soft-spoken, studious and very obedient. His first preference was always studies", said Fr Albert Thyrniang, principal of Don Bosco Secondary School.
Fifth position holder Mainak Debnath of Bhaitbari Higher Secondary School in West Garo Hills aspires to be a doctor. He dedicated his success to his parents who are teachers.
Apart from St George, students from schools like Eriben Presbyterian School, Shillong, North Liberty Higher Secondary School, Jowai (West Jaintia Hills), and a host of others featured in the top 20.
The board also announced the results of the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examination of the arts stream.
Dimsonjem Vaiphei of St Anthony's Higher Secondary School, Shillong, topped the list by scoring 440 marks.
MBoSE executive chairman Pravin Bakshi said an inquiry headed by state education secretary W.R. Lyngdoh has been ordered on the leak of the toppers' list.
"We have taken serious note of the matter and ordered for an inquiry by the education secretary to examine all aspects of the online leak and fix responsibilities as well as suggest corrective measures," Bakshi said.
The inquiry report will be submitted within 10 days.
In the SSLC exam, 27,547 out of 50,974 candidates passed, a pass percentage of 54.04. Altogether 566 schools sent students to appear for the exam. Last year, the pass percentage was 54.10.
While East Garo Hills recorded a pass percentage of 36.22, the corresponding figure for West Garo Hills was 34.31. South Garo Hills had a pass percentage of 28.48 while South West Garo Hills and North Garo Hills recorded a pass percentage of 21.45 and 29.83 per cent respectively. West Jaintia Hills was the best performing district with a pass percentage of 78.7.
HSSLC (arts) exam saw 15,940 out of 21,146 candidates pass, a pass percentage of 75.38. Last year, the pass percentage was 74.04.
