The Department of School Education and Literacy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and examination boards nationwide, releases a comprehensive report titled ‘Results of Secondary and Higher Secondary Examinations’ every year. This report compiles a holistic dataset reflecting board exam results from all central, state, and open boards across the country. The data indicates that from 2010 to 2023, on average, 80% of students successfully cleared both secondary and higher secondary exams.
India is home to one of the world’s youngest populations, with nearly a third of its citizens under the age of 18. In recognition of the vital role that education plays for this significant demographic, the Department of School Education and Literacy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and examination boards nationwide, releases a comprehensive report titled ‘Results of Secondary and Higher Secondary Examinations’. This report compiles a holistic dataset reflecting board exam results from all central, state, and open boards across the country, offering invaluable insights into the educational landscape. A unified database like this not only supports policymakers and educators in making informed decisions but also benefits researchers, students, and the broader public.
This article builds on our previous coverage of the accessibility of educational data in India, highlighting how such efforts contribute to shaping a well-informed and prepared young generation.
Download the datasets on the ‘Results of Secondary and Higher Secondary Examination’ from Dataful.
4 in 5 Students Pass India’s Secondary & Higher Secondary Exams between 2010 & 2023
An analysis of exam pass rates in India from 2010 to 2023 reveals that, on average, 80% of students successfully clear both secondary and higher secondary exams. A significant trend is the slight increase in pass rates post-2020, with 2021—amid the pandemic—recording the highest pass percentage since 2010. This spike can be attributed to the alternative evaluation methods adopted by boards and universities, which relied more heavily on internal assessments, practical exams, and assignments in response to the disruption caused by COVID-19.
When examining pass rates for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the data shows a different picture. For SC students, the overall pass percentage hovers around 75% for both secondary and higher secondary exams, while for ST students, it is slightly lower at 71%. These figures highlight ongoing disparities in educational outcomes across different social groups in India.
Girls Lead in Pass Rates, But the Gap Narrower in Scheduled Tribes Compared to Other Groups
An analysis of pass percentage trends from 2010 to 2023 reveals that girls consistently outperform boys in both secondary and higher secondary examinations. Notably, the gender gap is wider in the higher secondary exams compared to secondary exams.
On average, girls outperform boys by 7% in higher secondary exams across all caste categories, and by approximately 8% for Scheduled Castes. In contrast, the gap for Scheduled Tribes is smaller, at just 5%.
The trend in secondary exams shows a similar pattern, with girls surpassing boys by 3% across all caste categories, and the same 3% difference for Scheduled Castes. However, the gap is even narrower for Scheduled Tribes, where girls outperform boys by just 1%.
Open School Boards see pass rates of just over 50%
With an enrolment of 1.3 million students, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) stands as the world’s largest open schooling system. Yet, the sheer diversity of India’s cultures and languages demands more than a single, national institution. Unlike traditional school boards that require daily attendance, open boards provide flexible learning paths, ideal for students unable to follow regular school routines. To better meet local needs, eleven Indian states have launched their own State Open Schools (SOSs) in regional languages, with NIOS lending technical and professional support as needed.
Pass rate data between 2010 and 2023 reveals that just over half of students in open boards successfully clear their exams. On average, 55% of higher secondary students and 53% of secondary students in open boards pass their exams, with 2021 showing the highest success rate since 2010, likely due to the impact of pandemic-era adjustments. Interestingly, pass percentages across all caste categories remain similar at both the secondary and higher secondary levels.
Girls and Boys show nearly equal success in Open School Boards
An analysis of pass percentage trends in open school boards from 2010 to 2023 shows similar performance of girls and boys in both secondary and higher secondary exams, though the gap is slightly more pronounced at the higher secondary level. On average, girls outpace boys by just 1% in higher secondary exams across all caste categories, with this gap widening to 2% among Scheduled Castes, and reaching 3% for Scheduled Tribes. This contrasts with the broader trend for other school boards, where the performance gap for Scheduled Tribes is typically smaller than that of other groups.
In secondary exams, the pattern is similar, with girls consistently surpassing boys by 2% across all categories, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This data highlights a balanced achievement rate, with only minor differences across groups.
