KATHMANDU, July 19: This year's (2025) Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results, published by the National Examination Board (NEB), show that community schools have improved their performance by 10 percent compared to last year. This is a positive sign. However, the data reveal that girls have fallen behind in all grade categories.
Not only that, but the majority of students who failed (non-graded) are girls. This year, a total of 438,896 students took part in the SEE exam. Among them, 305,127 were from community schools, and 133,769 were from private schools. The pass rate for community schools stands at 51.51 percent.
Last year, the pass rate for community schools was only 42 percent, according to NEB Chair Mahashram Sharma. For private schools, the pass rate rose from 80 percent last year to 85 percent this year. On one hand, community school results are improving, but on the other hand, the number of girls failing the exams is higher. Even in all graded categories, girls are behind. Chair Sharma suggests that the state must now conduct in-depth research into this issue.
The NEB has stated that this year's SEE results show gradual improvement compared to last year. The improvement is credited to students studying seriously and teachers working hard. Because the minimum pass mark was set at 35 last year, both students and teachers were more motivated. As a result, 61.81 percent of students passed this year's SEE. Out of the total 438,896 participants, 271,299 students received grades.
Compared to last year, the overall results improved by around 14 percent, which is a positive development for the nation. The improved results are due to the continuous efforts of students, teachers, and school management committees. Local municipalities also played a supportive role. However, the fact that girls are behind in every grade category and have the highest failure rates raises serious concerns.
Why are girls falling behind?
Looking at the results, 216,977 girls and 221,895 boys participated in the exams. Among them, 87,812 girls (40.47 percent) failed (non-graded), while 79,772 boys (35.95 percent) failed. In all graded categories as well, girls are lagging.
This year, 48,177 students scored the highest GPA of 3.60 to 4. Among them, 10.23 percent were girls and 11.71 percent were boys. Likewise, 81,385 students scored between 3.20 and 3.60 GPA, with girls accounting for 17.61 percent and boys 19.46 percent. Similarly, 89,124 students scored between 2.80 and 3.20 GPA, with 19.88 percent being girls and 20.72 percent boys.
"This year, 48,177 students scored a GPA between 3.60 and 4, which is a positive indicator for the country. It shows that students are serious about studying, and teachers are taking their responsibility seriously. Local municipalities also took ownership and helped students prepare," said Board Chair Sharma. "The Board also conducted training on question paper preparation and answer sheet evaluation, which proved effective."
He added, "Though community schools are improving, more improvements must begin at the lower levels. Girls are still behind in all grade categories, and their failure rate is higher. The state must now seriously investigate why girls are underperforming and take steps for improvement."
SEE results vibe!
The number of girls taking the exams was 4,918 fewer than that of boys.
36% of top GPA holders from community schools
With the improvement in results this year, 36.31 percent of students who scored a top GPA (2.40–4) came from community schools. A total of 110,810 students from community schools scored within this GPA range. Last year, the majority of low GPA scorers were from community schools.
Sudurpaschim Province has worst performance
This year, Sudurpaschim Province has had the weakest performance, while Bagmati Province has had the best results. Madhesh Province had an average performance.
Sudurpaschim had 58.37 percent of students failing (non-graded), with only 41.63 percent graded. Madhesh Province performed slightly better, with 45.78 percent graded and 54.22 percent failing.
Bagmati Province had the highest pass rate with 78.56 percent of students graded and 21.44 percent failing. Gandaki Province followed with a pass rate of 70.73 percent and 29.27 percent failing. Koshi Province had 66.83 percent graded and 33.17 percent failing. Lumbini Province also showed solid performance with 62.12 percent graded and 37.88 percent failing. Karnali Province had a pass rate of 56.91 percent and a 43.09 percent failure rate.
Chair Sharma stated that provinces with more urban areas and better infrastructure performed better. "Provinces with more urban centers and private schools showed better results," he said. "Sudurpaschim and Madhesh have higher student populations, which might explain the average performance. But further investigation is needed to improve results there."
He added, "Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Gandaki Provinces have more urban areas with better services and more private schools. These factors support better learning environments, resulting in stronger results. The state now needs to focus on improving the educational standards in provinces with poor performance like Sudurpaschim, Madhesh, and Karnali."
