NBSE 2025: Record Pass Rates

•    HSLC pass rate hits five-year high at 75.16% 
•    Girls dominate toppers lists 
•    NBSE expands re-exam eligibility 
•    Government school student tops Arts stream for the first time

DIMAPUR, APRIL 26 (MExN): A steady, if cautious, climb continues in Nagaland’s academic performance as the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) released results of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Examinations 2025 on Thursday.

With pass percentages edging higher and a historic moment for government school students in the top merit lists, this year’s results carry subtle signs of transformation — particularly in gender dynamics and the rollout of structural reforms in re-examinations.

The HSLC Examination, held from February 12 to 24, saw 22,313 students enrolled, with 16,771 qualifying — translating to a pass percentage of 75.16%, the highest in five years.

This marks a modest rise from 71.87% in 2024, 70.32% in 2023, and a more substantial leap from 64.69% in 2022. The trendline over half a decade shows gradual strengthening after a dip during the pandemic years.

Girls marginally outpaced boys, with 75.39% of enrolled girls clearing the exam, compared to 74.90% of boys. The gender gap, though slight in percentage, was far more pronounced in academic distinction: 81 of the 126 students in the Top 20 merit list were girls, leaving only 45 spots for boys — a clear tilt that has become increasingly consistent across years.

In terms of support for inclusivity, 20 candidates under the Children with Special Needs (CWSN) category appeared with tailored accommodations such as extended time and scribes; 10 of them passed, a 50% success rate that reflects ongoing efforts at equity.

The HSSLC Examination — conducted from February 11 to March 7 — brought forward similar contours in performance, but with sharper gender distinctions and a few firsts.
17,194 students appeared across Arts, Commerce, and Science streams. The pass percentage in the Arts stream stood at 84.05%, followed by Commerce at 81.40%, and Science at 76.54%.

Girls again emerged ahead in all categories: 87.9% passed in Arts, 87.5% in Commerce, and 78.25% in Science. Boys trailed behind, especially in the Science stream where only 74.27% cleared the exams. Even in Arts — traditionally a more gender-balanced stream — boys posted a pass rate of 79.25%, underscoring a gap that’s both persistent and widening.

Over the last five years, HSSLC pass percentages show a similar trajectory of steady improvement. In Arts, the pass rate has climbed from 69.37% in 2021 to 84.05% in 2025. Commerce has grown from 74.39% in 2021 to 81.40%, while Science has dipped slightly from a pandemic-era peak of 91.35% in 2021 to 76.54%, though still above pre-pandemic figures.

Perhaps the most significant moment this year came in the Arts merit list, where a student from Government Higher Secondary School, Jotsoma, topped the stream — a first for the state and a historic milestone for public schooling. Two other students from government schools also made it to the top 10: one placed 8th in Arts and another 10th in Commerce, both from GHSS institutions. While the larger performance of government schools is a story unto itself, this breakthrough signals shifting dynamics.

The top 10 lists by stream further reflect the gender tilt: girls occupied 9 of the top 10 spots in Arts, 8 in Commerce, and swept the entire top 10 in Science, with boys managing to hold on to just 2, 7, and 4 positions respectively.

Successes in inclusion
In the HSSLC exam, 14 candidates from the Children with Special Needs category availed exemptions and accommodations. Eight passed, and among them, five secured First Division, two Second, and one Third, reflecting meaningful success from NBSE’s evolving inclusive framework.

In a significant policy shift aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) under the NEP 2020, NBSE has raised the eligibility cap for compartmental exams and performance improvement. Candidates who fail in up to four subjects — instead of the earlier limit of three — may now reappear in the June 2025 exams. This flexibility is designed to accommodate a broader range of learners without compromising academic standards.

Likewise, students who passed but wish to improve scores in up to four subjects may also reattempt. An additional provision exists for those who cleared the HSLC but scored “Needs Improvement” in just one subject — allowing them a chance to requalify for courses or employment requiring full subject clearance.

Candidates must apply online for these exams between May 12 and May 17 via the NBSE portal.

NBSE has also simplified the process of applying for Migration Certificates, offering a digitally signed version for download through its portal. Hard copies can be collected from the board office after the issuance of original marksheets.