Steps must be taken to identify the causes of the HSC results disaster
The pass rate in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations has dropped significantly to 58.83 percent compared to last year (77.78 percent), and the number of PA-5 candidates also decreased significantly.
About 19 percent fewer candidates passed this time compared to last year. Overall, the pass rate for HSC and equivalent exams has plummeted.
The failure of this large number of students has created a major challenge not only in their personal lives, but also for the national education system.
Boards may blame stricter examination rules, tougher question papers, or changed syllabus as reasons for the decline in pass rates, but the real reason probably lays deeper.
As Advisor Dr. C. R. Abrar said, “The learning crisis in Bangladesh starts at the very beginning. Learning deficits are created from the primary level and that deficit accumulates over the years.”
But we didn’t want to face this reality for a long time. We had developed a culture where numbers became reality, pass rates were the symbol of success, and GPA-5 numbers were the standard of satisfaction. Today we have to change that culture.
In this disastrous situation, quality teaching in the classroom, the lack of a sufficient number of qualified teachers, the weakness of educational institutions, especially in rural and backward areas, and the lack of preparation of students all deserve consideration.
The results also clearly indicate the inequality that exists in the education system.
The difference between the results of urban and rural educational institutions is still wide.Therefore, educators and policymakers should take this result as a warning.
Improving the quality of education, verifying the accuracy of testing methods is the demand of the hour to take far-reaching and realistic initiatives to eliminate inequality.
In admissions to higher education, emphasis should be given to overall merit, rather than relying solely on GPA-5. Otherwise, this result will have a profound impact on society. Congratulations to those who have made good results.
We believe that their path to higher education will be smoother and they will play an important role in shaping the future of the country.
And those who could not achieve the desired results, there is nothing to be disappointed about.
The results of this exam are not the end of their lives. The most important thing for them now is to prepare again with confidence and make the right plans for the future.
Remember, to be successful in life, you need more than good results, skill, creativity, and a mindset of never giving up.