Bhubaneswar, May 12: Students from tribal districts have done themselves proud in the Plus Two Science examination, the results of which were announced today.
The pass percentage of districts such as Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Boudh and Mayurbhanj is above 70. Other tribal-dominated districts such as Sundargarh and Rayagada have also fared well with a pass percentage of over 60.
"Schools in rural districts have scored good marks this year. There has been a rise in the number of students applying for the examination as well. Students from SC/ST category have done marginally well compared to last year," said Council of Higher Secondary Education chairman Sundarlal Seal.
Last year, the pass percentage of ST and SC candidates was 65.30 and 72.42, respectively, both of which has seen a 1 per cent rise this year. The number of ST students appearing for the examination has risen by over 700, while that for SC candidates has increased by 1,000.
A total of 81.11 per cent students cleared this year's Plus Two Science exam. This is the best performance in the last five years. The pass percentage stood at 80.8 last year. However, the first division results have decreased with the number standing at 19,087. Around 26,322 and 27,597 students secured second and third division. School and mass education minister Badri Narayan Patra announced the results.
Nil results
Three colleges have recorded nil results. No student from these colleges - Binayaka Junior College in Jeypore, Krushna PD Women's College in Daspalla and Tapoban Junior College in Tapoban - could clear the test.
Champion girls
Girls have outshone boys with a pass percentage of 82.36, repeating the trend of the last five years. The corresponding score for boys is 80.29 per cent. However, despite the high pass percentage, only 27 students scored 90 per cent or above, including 18 boys and nine girls. Last year, the figure stood at 53. Around 1,000 students have scored between 80 and 89 per cent. Around 5,000 students scored between 70 and 79 per cent.
Paper gaffe
A question paper mix-up almost derailed the examination of hundreds of students this year. Fourteen centres across the state received the chemistry question paper instead of mathematics. It was found that the printing press, where the papers were printed and packaged, was responsible for the gaffe.
The council has decided to blacklist the press for three years. The press will also bear the expenditure incurred in cancelling the maths exam on March 14 and rescheduling the chemistry exam to March 30.
Re-check process
Students who want their answer scripts reviewed can apply on the council website till May 29. They have to pay Rs 200 for each paper they want reviewed.
"Students are advised to apply for review or re-addition as soon as possible not just to get their results early, but also to avoid last-minute rush. We will not entertain complaints regarding review/re-addition after the last date," said Seal.
Results of arts, commerce and vocational streams will be announced by May 31.
