More high-scorers, but more failures too in city

Anahita Mukherji & Hemali Chhapia | TNN

Mumbai: The SSC results for 2009 have brought both cheer and chagrin to Mumbai. Over one-third of Maharashtra’s students who scored over 90% are from Mumbai alone—6,190 to be precise. In fact, of the 12.78 lakh who cleared the SSC exam in the state, 1.48% or 18,863 scored over 90% this year, up from 13,679 last year.

At the same time, the city’s pass percentage has dipped 2.24% over last year even as the state celebrates a 1.3% overall rise in that figure. Add to this the fact that Mumbai has ranked third from the bottom in the pass percentage among the eight divisions in the state. Coming close on the heels of a 6% drop in its HSC pass performance, Mumbai’s SSC result has been a mixed basket of cherries and lemons.

Explaining the dip, Shridhar Salunkhe, chairperson of the Mumbai division of the state board, said, “Last year, an internal assessment was introduced for the first time and most schools were liberal with their markings. But this time the board held a session with schools to explain the various parameters for marking students.’’

In absolute figures, 4,500 more students cleared the exam this year from Mumbai division compared to last year. “We will ensure that all students get seats in junior colleges in their preferred stream,’’ said Salunkhe.

Failed students may not have to lose out on a year
There could be some cheer for students who failed the SSC exam. The board is considering allowing them to reappear for their papers within a month so that they do not lose out on an academic year by sitting for the re-exam in October.