Neten Dorji
Tashi Dhendup from Zhilukha Middle Secondary School (MSS) topped the class X examinations with 95 per cent, followed by Chencho Nedup of Loselling MSS with 94.40 per cent.
The overall pass percentage was 74.56 percent, an increase by 0.78 percent from the 2023 pass percentage of 73.78 per cent.
Tashi Dhendup said that while the result was unexpected he was satisfied with the outcome. He wants to become a doctor.
“I was really happy when I heard the news and immediately thought of how my teachers supported me. For their guidance, I will always be grateful to them,” Tashi Dhendup said.
The cut-off point for class X will be reinstated by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development starting 2026 academic year.
Chencho Nedup said that his success belonged to his parents, teachers, and friends who supported and believed in him more than he believed in himself.
“Ever since I was a child, I have been interested in science and wanted to become a doctor,” he said.
Lhawang Tshokey from Rangjung Central School came third with 94 percent.
Expressing her happiness and satisfaction, she said that hard work brought her to the limelight she is in today.
She was the third national topper in the common exam for Class VIII.
“I want to thank my teachers for their support; I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without their help,” said Lhawang. “I want to be a doctor.”
The pass percentage requirement is calculated based on the number of candidates who pass Dzongkha, English, Mathematics, and two other subjects. A candidate must also pass both continuous assessment (CA) and theory to pass a subject.
In addition to CA and theory, TVET candidates must also pass the practical components.
A total of 9,091 candidates from 135 government schools and nine private schools had registered for the examinations, out of which 8,990 sat the examination.
According to BCSE, the national pass percentage for the past five years has continually increased. The national pass percentage in 2021 was 70.12, which increased to 71.58 per cent in 2022. It further increased to 73.78 per cent in 2023.
Rinchen Namgay Wangchuk from Taktse Central School (Taktse CS) topped the Language and Cultural Studies Certificate (LCSC) category with 87.2 percent. Wang Gyeltshen came second with 85 percent. Tshering Lhadon of the same school came third with 83.8 percent.
In the LCSC category, a total of 18 candidates from Taktse CS registered for and sat the examinations. The overall pass percentage is 100 percent, an increase of 13.33 percent compared to the 86.67 pass percentage in 2023.
Rinchen Namgay Wangchuk wants to continue studying at Taktse Central School, as it is the only school that teaches Rigzhung (Dzongkha Literature). “I am grateful to my parents and teacher for supporting me.”
Subject-wise, the pass percentage in English, Dzongkha, Economics, History, Civics, and Geography was more than 90 percent.
Out of all subjects, ICT had the lowest pass rate at 61.49 percent, while English had the highest pass rate at 99.66 percent.
Class VI
Of the 13,792 Class VI students who sat the common examination, 10,666 students passed the examination, maintaining a pass percentage of 77.33 percent.
Tashi Dema from Moshi Primary School in Trashigang, Drishti Samal from Darla HSS in Chukha, Tandin Tshomo Drukpa from Rinchen Kuenphen PS, and Jamsel Jigme Selden from Dechencholing HSS topped with 95.5 percent.
Tshewang Yegyel Rinzin from Khaduthang PS and Yeewong Sonam Pema from Dagapela MSS secured second position with 94.75 percent.
The third position was secured by Adeep Sharma from Phuentsholing PS, Sudipa Chhetri from Dagapela MSS and Aditi Bhattarai from Chang Rigphel PS with 94.5 percent.
Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa said: “The commitment and dedication of the ministry, along with the persistent efforts of teachers and students, have contributed to this improvement,” adding that the ministry’s goal is not just to improve results, but to ensure that all necessary components are in place to achieve good results in the end.
She said that the ministry was committed to improving the quality of education and continued to strive to provide the best facilities to schools despite limited resources.
“We are committed to ensuring adequate teachers, enhancing facilities, and optimising resources while addressing challenges to continually improve the quality of education,” she said.
Students who have cleared the exams will be absorbed into government schools on a merit basis, according to the ministry.
Candidates can apply for clerical recheck until February 7. The results of the clerical recheck will be announced on February 16.