Bengaluru: PUC 2 in Karnataka have achieved record results with 81.15% of students passing the exams, marking a six percentage point increase from last year’s pass rate of 74.67%.

Out of the 6,81,079 candidates who appeared for the exams, 5,52,690 successfully passed. A total of 17,299 candidates were absent for various reasons.

N Manjushree, chairperson of the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB), attributed the improved results to the new 80:20 evaluation method introduced this year. “This method allocates 80 marks for theory and 20 for internal assessment. Additionally, in theory papers, the first 20 marks are designated for one-word answers and multiple choice questions, which helps students score more easily,” she explained.

Previously, practical marks were only considered for science subjects. Starting with the exams scheduled for March/April 2024, this has been extended to include arts and commerce streams, leading to pass percentages of 68.36% and 80.94% in these streams, respectively.

Students dissatisfied with their results have the option to appear for two additional exams conducted by the KSEAB. The second examination is scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 16.

KSEAB officials announced on Wednesday that the marks cards for students who opt out of the second examination will be issued within 30 days. These can also be immediately downloaded from DigiLocker.

Meanwhile, Ritesh Kumar, principal secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, clarified that the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) results will be announced only after the PUC 2 results are declared. “We have coordinated with the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) to ensure the KCET results are announced after the second examination results,” he stated.