Guwahati, April 12, 2025 — The announcement of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) 2025 results in Assam has sparked political criticism and public concern due to a sharp fall in pass rates, particularly among girls and marginalized communities. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has strongly criticized the Assam government for what he describes as a systemic failure to ensure quality education.
Key Figures from the HSLC 2025 Results
According to data from the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA):
| Category | Pass Percentage |
|---|---|
| Overall | 63.98% |
| Boys | 67.59% |
| Girls | 61.09% |
| SC | 58.56% |
| Tea Garden Communities | 51.89% |
In comparison, the overall pass rate in 2024 was 75.7%, indicating an 11.72% drop in just one year. This stark decline has prompted widespread concern from educators, students, parents, and lawmakers.
Gaurav Gogoi: “A Deep Failure in Educational Policy”
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Assam’s education system under the current administration. He called the HSLC 2025 results a reflection of “policy failure” by the BJP-led state government, particularly criticizing the closure of schools and the underperformance of model schools in tea garden areas.
“The government’s misplaced priorities have resulted in educational neglect. The declining numbers clearly show that closing schools and ignoring rural students is backfiring,” said Gogoi.
He emphasized the need for the Chief Minister to allow the Education Minister to function independently, without political interference, and demanded targeted interventions to improve access, equity, and quality in secondary education.
Minister Ranoj Pegu Responds
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu acknowledged the disappointing results, especially the underperformance among students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Tea Garden (TG) communities.
“It is concerning that the pass percentage among Scheduled Castes (58.56%) and Tea Garden communities (51.89%) remains below the state average… In 2025–26, we will prioritize focused interventions in these two social sectors to bridge the learning gap,” Pegu wrote on social media.
The Education Department is expected to roll out special programs, including:
- Bridge courses for academically lagging students
- Recruitment of teachers from tribal and SC communities
- Free remedial classes in model and government schools
Poor Performing Schools Under Scrutiny
Following the release of the HSLC 2025 results, the Inspector of Schools, Kamrup (Metro) issued show-cause notices to five government-run high schools in Guwahati:
- Barsojai High School
- Maligaon High School
- NPME High School
- Pilingkata High School
- Dispur Government High School
These schools reported pass percentages below 25%, prompting concerns about their operational and academic standards.
“The schools have not been performing up to expectations, which is a serious matter of concern. This reflects a lack of accountability and poor academic supervision,” said Dipika Choudhury, Inspector of Schools.
She directed the principals and headmasters to provide a comprehensive explanation for the poor performance or face disciplinary action.
Structural Issues Behind the Decline
Experts attribute the drop in performance to multiple structural issues:
- Teacher shortages in remote districts
- Inadequate infrastructure in rural schools
- Lack of digital learning tools
- Learning losses due to COVID-19 pandemic impact
- Poor attendance and dropout rates in SC and TG communities
With only 51.89% of Tea Tribe students passing the exam, advocates are calling for culturally responsive teaching and language support for first-generation learners.
Political and Social Implications
The issue has taken on a broader political tone, with opposition leaders alleging that the state’s education strategy is failing to serve vulnerable groups.
“How can Assam dream of being an educational hub when rural children are left behind every year?” asked an education activist based in Jorhat.
Parents in tea garden areas have also expressed frustration, stating that model schools set up with fanfare have lacked trained teachers, basic amenities, and community involvement.
The Way Forward
In light of the disappointing results, the Assam Education Department is expected to:
- Launch learning recovery programs
- Conduct statewide teacher training
- Improve mid-day meal and attendance monitoring
- Reintroduce community schooling models in tribal areas
Additionally, education-focused NGOs have offered to partner with government schools to support after-school programs, girl education drives, and peer-led mentoring groups.
Conclusion
The HSLC 2025 results are a wake-up call for Assam’s education system. As political debates unfold and school administrations come under scrutiny, all stakeholders—from ministers to local teachers—must work together to ensure equitable access to quality education for every child in the state.
