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HSC pass rate slumps to 52.12 percent in latest examination cycle

Bangladesh's Higher Secondary Certificate examination results show a significant decline in the overall pass rate. The drop to 52.12 percent marks a concerning trend in secondary education outcomes across the country.

LSN Bangladesh · 31 October 2026

The pass rate for the Higher Secondary Certificate and equivalent examinations has fallen to 52.12 percent, reflecting a marked decline in student performance during the latest examination cycle. The decrease signals growing challenges within Bangladesh's secondary education system, raising questions about academic standards and student preparedness at this critical educational level.

The HSC examination, typically taken by students completing grade 12, serves as a gateway qualification for higher education in Bangladesh. A pass rate below 53 percent indicates that nearly half of all candidates failed to meet the minimum requirements, suggesting systemic issues that may extend from classroom instruction to examination administration.

Education officials and stakeholders have expressed concern over the declining performance metrics. Experts point to various contributing factors including learning disruptions, resource constraints in educational institutions, and varying quality of instruction across different regions and school types.

The results underscore the need for comprehensive measures to strengthen secondary education outcomes. Policymakers face mounting pressure to address educational quality while ensuring equitable access to learning resources across urban and rural areas.