Srinagar, J&K (Indian Administered Kashmir): Female students have once again outperformed their male counterparts in annual Class 12 examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), results showed Wednesday, continuing a decade-long trend in the disputed Himalayan territory.
The board reported a 75% overall pass rate among the 103,308 students who appeared for this year’s examinations. While 77,311 candidates cleared the tests, approximately 970 failed to meet passing requirements.
Key Highlights:
• Total examinees: 103,308
• Students passed: 77,311 (75%)
• Girls’ pass rate: 78%
• Boys’ pass rate: 72%
• Approximately 970 students failed
The disparity in performance is attributed to several factors, including higher dropout rates among boys caused by economic pressures, stronger familial support bolstering girls’ education in urban centers, and fewer distractions for female students. Nonetheless, experts warn that while urban districts such as Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag showcased strong performance, rural regions, especially those near the Ceasefire line (Line of Control) continue to struggle with sporadic access to education due to infrastructural constraints and frequent disruptions.
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In remote areas of Kupwara, Poonch, and other border districts, challenges persist as schools remain vulnerable to the impacts of internet shutdowns, constant militarization, and declining infrastructure, conditions that severely affect the continuity and quality of education. A teacher from Pulwama, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked, “Our students are brilliant, but how can they compete fairly when their classrooms lack proper heating, and when schools are forced to close for months amidst shifting exam schedules?”
Students can access their results through several channels, including the official JKBOSE website, SMS services, and designated school portals. However, access issues remain a concern due to periodic internet restrictions across certain regions.
Despite these challenges, the excellent performance of Kashmiri students serves as a testament to their resilience and determination. The results underscore the urgent need for policy reforms aimed at bridging the urban-rural education divide and reinforcing educational infrastructure in conflict-prone zones. Advocacy groups continue to urge authorities to implement interventions that ensure uninterrupted schooling and support initiatives that harness the untapped potential of girls’ education as a transformative tool for societal change.
