KP Sharma

Of 10,519 students who sat for the Bhutan Certificate of Secondary Examination (BCSE) across 142 schools, only 7,761 students passed the examination last year. 

The Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment (BCSEA) announced the results for BCSE and the Language and Culture Studies Certificate (LCSC) yesterday.

The overall pass percentage was 73.81 percent, marking a 2.20 percent increase from the previous year’s pass percentage, which had a pass percentage of 71.58 percent.

Eden Lucky Tshomo from Ugyen Academy in Punakha stood first securing 94 percent, followed by Nangsel Choeki from Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School with 93.4 percent and Sangay Dema from Loselling Middle Secondary School in Thimphu stood third with 93.2 percent. 

Eden Lucky Tshomo hailing from Mongar said that the result was unexpected but mentioned being satisfied with the outcome.

When asked about her choice of streams, she said that it would take her a few more days to decide on her plans. “The support from my parents and teachers is truly inspiring,” she added.

The language and culture studies certificate (LCSC) examination also witnessed an increase in the pass percentage, an increase of 29.53 percent compared to the previous year.

Out of 45 students who appeared for the examination, 39 students passed the examination with a pass percentage of 86.67 percent.

Tashi Lham from Taktse Central School in Trongsa topped the examination among LCSC students with 89.4 percent followed by Nima Dorji in the second position with 85.56 percent. Sonam Gunglen Doya stood third with 85.2 percent.

Expressing her happiness and satisfaction, Tashi Lham, the youngest among the four, said that although she could not top the examination in the past, her unique study technique adopted last year helped her with the achievement.

“I did not spend much time studying but I remained attentive in the class which helped me a lot,” she added.

On the other hand, of 10,906 class six students who appeared in the common examination, 7,895 students passed the examination, maintaining a pass percentage of 72.39 percent.

Nangsey Tenzin Lhazin from Zhemgang Primary School in Zhemgang secured the first position with 98.38 percent, followed by Chimi Dem from Lamgong HSS in Paro with 96.75 percent. The third position was secured by Tandee Ongmo Dorji from Gelephu Lower Secondary School with 96.65 percent. 

When it comes to the class 10 students, Director General of the Department of School Education, Karma Galey said that the students will now be absorbed into government schools instead of sending them to private schools as was done a few years ago.

“There will be a huge number of vacant seats in government schools and the scholarship to private schools has been discontinued from last year,” he added.

Despite having a capacity of 10,636 seats in government schools this year, only 7,761 students passed the examination, resulting in a large number of empty seats in these schools.