PUDUCHERRY: Government school students in Puducherry have recorded an impressive performance in the Class X and XII public examinations conducted under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum for the first time. The switch to the CBSE syllabus, introduced across all government schools in the Union Territory during the 2024–25 academic year, was initially met with resistance and political criticism. However, the outcome has helped allay some of those concerns.
Minister for Home Affairs, Education, Sports and Youth Affairs A Namassivayam credited the achievement to the determined efforts of teachers in navigating the new curriculum. “Despite various criticisms, our teachers overcame the initial challenges and ensured that students received the foundational education they needed,” he said.
Government schools registered an overall pass percentage of 86.27% in the Class XII CBSE examinations. Region-wise, Puducherry recorded 89.90%, Karaikal 73.12%, Mahe 86.75%, and Yanam a perfect 100%. Nine schools achieved 100% pass rates, and 23 schools recorded over 90%.
In the Class X exams, the overall pass percentage stood at 81.25%. Puducherry reported 77.31%, Karaikal 85.4%, Mahe 100%, and Yanam 99.29%.
Encouraging students who did not pass, Namassivayam said, “Failure is the stepping stone to success. I urge students to prepare well and aim for a 100% pass rate in the re-examinations.”
The minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their support in implementing the CBSE curriculum in Puducherry.
Lt Governor K Kailashnathan congratulated the students and appreciated the contributions of teachers and the Education Department in achieving the results.
However, the celebration was marred by criticism over the delayed release of official data. Although CBSE declared the results on Monday morning, the Puducherry School Education Department released the compiled data only at 7.45 pm through a WhatsApp group for journalists. The delay came after the results were handed over to Chief Minister N Rangasamy during his departure from an event at Indira Nagar Government College.
The nearly 10-hour delay raised concerns among observers, who questioned the transparency and efficiency of the department’s communication.
Despite the timing controversy, the results have been seen as a significant boost for Puducherry’s government schools, demonstrating their ability to adapt and succeed under a national curriculum.