The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) declared the Class 12 examination results on Tuesday, revealing a noticeable dip in the overall pass percentage across all major streams—Science, Arts, and Commerce. Despite the decline, female candidates continued to outperform their male counterparts, maintaining a positive trend in gender-wise academic success.
Students and parents across Assam awaited the results with bated breath, only to find that this year’s performance failed to match last year’s numbers. The overall pass rate for all streams stood lower than the previous academic session, sparking discussions among educators and stakeholders about potential causes and the need for reform in the state’s higher secondary education system.
In the Science stream, the pass percentage dropped significantly compared to 2024. While 2024 recorded a pass rate of over 84%, this year the figure hovered below 80%. Students, however, showed resilience with several districts such as Dibrugarh, Nalbari, and Jorhat registering relatively stronger performances. In the Commerce stream, the results also took a dip, with a pass rate that fell nearly four percentage points from the previous year’s benchmark. Arts, the stream with the largest enrollment, witnessed the steepest fall in success rate, raising concerns about the preparedness and support available to students.
Girls once again proved their academic strength by achieving a higher pass percentage across all three streams. The trend echoed previous years, with female students dominating the merit lists and securing top ranks in most districts. In contrast, boys showed a moderate decline in performance, especially in rural regions, where access to coaching and study materials remains limited.
AHSEC Chairperson Rukmini Das addressed the media following the announcement and attributed the decline in pass rates to a variety of factors. She cited the continued impact of learning gaps from the pandemic years, rising exam stress, and the rapid transition to the new syllabus structure as key contributors. She emphasized that the council will conduct district-level reviews and introduce academic support measures to better equip students in the coming years.
Educators across Assam have urged the state government and the education department to revisit curriculum design, enhance teacher training, and improve digital learning accessibility. They believe these measures could help bridge the learning gap and boost student outcomes in future examinations. Several school principals also recommended a psychological support framework to help students cope with academic pressure and prepare more confidently for board exams.
Parents expressed both concern and hope, as they appreciated the efforts of their children while recognizing the need for stronger academic guidance and better infrastructure in government schools. Many also stressed the importance of balanced learning environments that support both mental well-being and academic performance.
In Kamrup Metro, where Guwahati is located, some of the city’s top institutions continued their tradition of academic excellence, producing state-level toppers despite the overall dip. Meanwhile, rural districts such as Barpeta and Dhubri reported lower-than-average pass percentages, highlighting the urban-rural educational divide in Assam.
Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu congratulated the successful candidates while acknowledging the decline in overall performance. He assured the public that the education department would study this year’s results closely and implement strategic improvements ahead of the next academic cycle. The minister also praised the consistent achievements of girl students and called for more initiatives to support gender equity in education.
The announcement of results brought a mix of emotions for students, who now look ahead to college admissions and career choices. Counseling sessions have already begun in several schools and educational centers, guiding students toward their next steps based on their scores and interests.
As Assam reflects on this year’s Class 12 performance, the focus now shifts to policy action, academic support, and systemic improvement to ensure that future batches of students are better equipped to meet board expectations and excel in their educational journey.
The examination saw participation from over 2.5 lakh students across the state, with the highest number enrolled in the Arts stream. Despite the challenges, many students expressed relief at completing their higher secondary journey and looked forward to higher education opportunities. However, for a considerable number of students who narrowly missed passing marks, the council announced the schedule for re-evaluation and compartmental exams, offering a second chance to improve their results.
Career counselors in Guwahati noted a growing interest among students in exploring alternative courses and skill-based programs rather than sticking solely to conventional degree paths. Several students from government and private institutions have already begun applying for entrance tests in national-level colleges and universities, while others are seeking vocational and job-oriented training to enter the workforce earlier.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in Assam’s education sector have also stepped in, offering academic mentorship and free counseling services to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They aim to ensure that the dip in results does not derail the long-term aspirations of students from marginalized communities.
At the same time, district-level education officers are planning community outreach programs to analyze local academic performance, identify school-wise gaps, and collaborate with local teachers to improve classroom engagement. These efforts align with the state’s broader vision under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable education for all learners.
With these collaborative initiatives on the horizon, Assam’s education stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic. They believe that while the 2025 results revealed short-term setbacks, they also illuminated areas of improvement that could transform the state’s educational outcomes in the years to come.