Bhubaneswar, May 31: Agrani Baliarsingh, who studied at Baba Residential College in Jatni, had expected at least a first class in the Plus Two science examination. But, she was sorely disappointed when the results were announced yesterday and she missed a first division by 13 marks. The 17-year-old ended her life last night by consuming insecticides at her home at San Nuagan village near Jatni in Khurda district.

Hrushikesh Baliarsingh, Agrani’s uncle, said: “She used to secure good marks in mathematics. She had scored 80 per cent in mathematics in her class examinations. But, she was shocked to know that in her final examination she had secured 30 out of 100 in the subject. She was heartbroken.”

Agrani was not the only one to have been driven to suicide by the Plus Two results announced yesterday. Two other students, who flunked the exams, also took the extreme step out of shame yesterday.

Sources said B. Prasant Kumar, a Plus Two commerce student of Rayagada College, committed suicide after he failed to clear the examinations. In another incident, Pitambar Nayak, a student of Kaniha College near Talcher, hung himself from the ceiling fan of his house.

Students committing suicide after failing in exams has been a cause of concern among sociologist, educators and psychologists. Some sociologists feel that such incidents is bound to rise as society is becoming obsessive about success.

“There is so much of pressure on the young minds to succeed in every sphere of life that no one wants to fail. The society tends to underrate students, who fail in studies. Such attitude often leads to such incidents,” said Rita Roy, a retired professor of sociology. She also said the parents needed to take extra care of their wards, who were extra sensitive about success.

Educators blamed it on the faulty and mismanaged educational system. “Often there is mismanagement in evaluation of the examination papers. As a result, students are not getting their desired marks. The process should be streamlined and the authorities need to ensure that evaluation is being done properly,” said Abani Baral, an educator.

However, officials of the Council of Higher Secondary Education rebuffed the allegations. “Utmost care is taken during the evaluation and there is also a provision of rechecking. Students are given even the photocopies of their assessed answer sheets if they apply,” said a council official.