On the 13th of May, 2024 the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the results of the 12th and 10th exams that we had been waiting for. All classes had their best pass rates this year thus making it an impressive one academically. However still as we praise this academic achievement another concern on the longstanding gender inequality gap rises up.
With regard to academic success, the entire 10th-grade class had a stellar passing record of 93.60%, which was an improvement from previous years’ 91.46%. Multiple reasons account for this creditable performance; there has been more focus on internal assessments, a move towards a skills-based approach to education as well as simplification of examination administration. Out of 2,238,827 pupils who sat for their 10th-grade examinations nationwide only 2,095,467 managed to pass.
Similarly, the Class 12th results echoed this upward trajectory, with an overall pass percentage of 87.98%, a slight improvement from the 87.33% recorded in 2023. This positive trend underscores a holistic approach to education, potentially alleviating the burdens of exam stress. Out of the 1,633,730 students registered for the Class 12th exams, 1,433,224 emerged victorious.
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However, amidst the jubilation, the persisting gender gap has once again taken centre stage. Across both classes, girls have outperformed boys by significant margins. In the Class 10th cohort, girls boasted a commendable pass rate of 95.24%, while boys trailed slightly behind at 91.97%. Similarly, in the Class 12th realm, girls excelled with a pass rate of 94.97%, overshadowing boys’ performance at 83.01%.
Addressing this gender gap necessitates a multifaceted approach. Understanding the underlying causes, such as societal expectations and biases, is imperative to chart a path towards equity in education. Additionally, efforts must be made to rectify performance disparities across different academic branches and geographic locations.
For gender equality in academics to be reached, a lot of educational programs should be introduced that target a particular group of learners as well as promoting inclusive learning environment. A Gender-neutral CBSE system that rewards achievement may hold the key to this shift.
