The pass rate and number of GPA-5 achievers in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations both dipped as full exams were held for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
The pass rate dipped by 9.31 percentage points to 85.95% in 2022, while the number of GPA-5 achievers dropped by over 10,000 to 176,282.
In 2021, examinees were only tested on three optional subjects, with no exams for compulsory subjects such as Bangla and English. The exams also carried fewer marks than usual and covered a shortened syllabus.
The HSC exams were not held at all in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and students were graded based on their performances in previous public exams. The pass rate was 100%.
However, in 2022, examinees sat for 12 papers under six subjects. The subjects included two compulsory subjects, three optional subjects, and a fourth subject that is not Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT marks were calculated based 25% on the JSC score and 75% on the SSC score of HSC candidates.
The pass rate of the HSC exams under the nine education boards was 84.31%, Madrasa examinations 92.56%, and vocational exams 94.41%.
A total 87.83% of students passed the HSC exams under Dhaka Board, Chittagong 80.50%, Comilla 90.72%, Barisal 86.95 %, Sylhet 81.40%, Dinajpur 79.08%, Jessore 83.95%, Mymensingh 80.32%, and 81.60% under Rajshahi board.
Among the candidates, 62,421 students scored GPA-5 under Dhaka Board, 12,670 Chittagong, 14,991 Comilla, 7,386 Barisal, 4,871 Sylhet, 11,830 Dinajpur, 18,703 Jessore, 21,855 Rajshahi, and 5,028 under Mymensingh Board.
Girls once again outshone boys with a pass rate of 87.48% against 84.53%. A total 95,721 girls achieved GPA-5, as compared to 80,561 boys.
Following the announcement of the results at the International Mother Language Institute on Wednesday, Education Minister Dipu Moni praised students for a strong showing at last year's exams.