HSC results: Pass percentages up in science, arts

Mumbai city news: In the Mumbai division, the highest number of students (only those taking exams for the first time) passed in the science stream recording a pass percentage of 92.55%. Last year, it was 87.41%. The arts stream saw an increase to 79.71% from 78.5% last year

The science stream fared better than commerce and arts, the HSC results declared on Tuesday show. Performances across city colleges were a tad better than last year, but top scores fell.

Toppers from Father Agnel School, Vashi, pose for selfies after the results. (Bachchan Kumar)

In the Mumbai division, the highest number of students (only those taking exams for the first time) passed in the science stream recording a pass percentage of 92.55%. Last year, it was 87.41%. Colleges said students scored better even in subjects such as physics, bifocal subjects such as electrical maintenance, computer science, and chemistry — traditionally considered difficult. “ Our highest scorer bagged a full 200 in electrical maintenance, which is a rare feat, and many have scored in the 90s in mathematics too,” said Hemlata Bagla, in charge principal, KC College, Churchgate.

The arts stream saw an increase of a few points to 79.71% from 78.5% last year. Psychology and sociology pulled up performances, said principals. “Arts students have done well compared to the past,” said Marie Fernandes, principal, St Andrew’s College, Bandra.

Commerce results stayed around the same — 88%, up from 87.54% last year. The highest scorer at Vaze College, Mulund scored 100 out of 100 in book-keeping and accounts. Overall, 13 students in the college scored more than 90% in commerce. “They outperformed science,” said Vidyadhar Joshi, the vice- principal.

While, the pass rate for the Mumbai division jumped to 85.3%, from last year’s, 83.05%, most students scored below 60%, the less prestigious second class.

Of 2.89 lakh students clearing the exams in the division, 1.32 lakh got second class and 27,666 just managed to meet the minimum passing criteria of 35%.

Duttatray Jagtap, divisional board secretary said , “Many students register at the last minute. One can imagine how much they must have prepared.”