Reshma Ravishanker

In the results of the SSLC (class 10) board exams that were announced in Karnataka on Monday, an unassuming Chitradurga reported the highest pass percentage while Bengaluru North and South only found a spot at the bottom of the list.

Chitradurga was at the top of the list with 96.8% pass percentage, Mandya was a close second at 96.74 % and Hassan at 3 with 96.63%. Bengaluru North and South educational districts saw 80.93% and 78.95% results respectively. While the former was at spot 32 of the 35 districts, the latter was at 33.

Girija, Block Education Officer, Chitradurga Taluk said that a slew of measures helped students perform better. “Special classes were conducted in the morning. Students actively participated in group studies in the evening. Orientation was conducted for subject teachers so that their quality of teaching improved. Previous years question papers were sourced, and students were encouraged to solve these,” she said.

Besides, the district saw schools conduct parent teacher meetings actively. “Heads of schools coordinated with parents periodically. In case of absenteeism in schools, parents were approached and counselled,” she added.

L Jayappa, BEO, Hosadurga Taluk said that from the start of the academic year, they had a 32-point agenda that had to be adhered to achieve excellence.

“Every day, from July onwards special classes were conducted in the morning. Post October, evening classes were added. As exams approached closer, parents would help students on weekends and public holidays as well. Multiple tests were conducted following the blueprint of the exam.

“8 centres were created with 400-500 students in each to counsel them for exam fear. Subject matter experts were called in from resource groups to clarify any doubts they had. Organising parent-teacher meets regularly helped. Mothers were told about their responsibilities as exams drew close. A NGO from Shivamogga was roped in to give orientation to government school children on preparing for civil services exams. This motivated them to push harder,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Bengaluru remained at the bottom of the table and a diverse crowd and teacher vacancies were blamed.  

Bayalananjanappa P, Deputy Director of Public Instruction, Bengaluru South explained that one must consider that this is the largest education district in the state and bound to be diverse. “As many as 60,000 children registered for the exams this year. Aided and government schools have not fared well this time. The vacancies in aided schools were not filled. In most places where there had to be 8 or 9 teachers, just 4-5 teachers managed the show. There were vacant posts in some government schools. Guest teachers were appointed but apparently no results were shown.

Also Read: Karnataka: Everyday study and encouragement from school helps SSLC topper ace