Odisha Class 10 Results 2024–25: 94.69% Pass Rate, Over 3,200 Schools Achieve 100% Success

Remedial Support and Re-Exams Introduced as Odisha Revamps Primary Education Assessment

In a decisive move aimed at strengthening academic standards and enhancing student accountability, the Odisha government has reintroduced the “fail system” for pupils in Classes 5 and 8. This marks a departure from the previous no-detention policy and is expected to encourage greater focus on learning outcomes at the elementary level. The reform, which takes effect from the current academic year, follows amendments to the Odisha Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010, aligning the state’s education policy with recent national changes to the Right to Education Act.

According to a notification issued by the School and Mass Education Department, all students in Classes 5 and 8 will now be required to sit for annual examinations. Those who fail to meet the promotion criteria will receive remedial instruction and be allowed to reappear for a re-examination within two months. If they fail again, they will be retained in the same class. However, the government has clarified that no student will be expelled before completing elementary education, thereby ensuring continued access to learning.

This policy shift follows the December 2023 amendment to the central RTE Act, which grants states the authority to conduct regular examinations and retain students who do not qualify for promotion. Odisha is among the first states to implement this provision, with officials stating that the new system is designed to improve preparedness for higher classes and ensure that students meet essential learning benchmarks.

In a related development, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha, announced the Class 10 examination results for the 2024–25 academic session on 2 May. Of the 5,12,438 registered candidates across 9,031 schools, 5,04,002 students appeared for the exams, while 8,436 were marked absent. One result was withheld, and 170 students were booked for malpractice. A total of 4,85,240 students passed the Odisha Madhyama examination, resulting in an impressive overall pass rate of 94.69%. Notably, 3,272 schools recorded a perfect 100% pass rate, underscoring strong academic performance across the state. Odisha’s reintroduction of the fail system reflects a renewed emphasis on academic rigour and student readiness, while its examination results highlight the state’s continued progress in educational achievement.

Editor’s Note:

Odisha’s decision to reintroduce the fail system for Classes 5 and 8 represents a significant shift in its approach to elementary education. Moving away from the long-standing no-detention policy, this reform seeks to place a stronger emphasis on academic accountability and student learning outcomes. By mandating annual examinations and allowing for the possibility of grade repetition, the government is acknowledging the urgent need to address learning gaps that may go unnoticed under automatic promotion systems. Importantly, the policy includes provisions for remedial instruction and a second chance through re-examinations, ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed. It also reassures that no child will be expelled before completing elementary education, which maintains the spirit of inclusivity. Odisha’s new retention policy, aligning with the 2023 RTE Act amendments, enables states to retain underperforming students. This shift, coupled with strong Class 10 results, emphasises quality education. While the fail system may be criticised for psychological impact, it could foster responsibility and motivation.

Skoobuzz observes that if implemented with care and adequate support systems, this approach could be a key step toward building a more robust and outcome-driven education framework.