AS the SSC results were declared on Saturday, a huge dip in the overall pass percentage has led to major debate and discussion in the education sector. Whether it is due to the changed curriculum, different pattern of examination or due to lack of internal assessment, which gave guaranteed 20 marks to most students, teachers and educationists are raising valid questions. Parents too have expressed disappointment that state-board candidates will lag in competition for class XI admissions, when compared to non-state board students.

The overall pass percentage has seen a major drop in the last seven years. Maharashtra has recorded a pass percentage of 77.1 this year, which is a huge dip of 12.31% from last year's 89.41. The Mumbai division of state board, which ranks fifth in total nine divisions, has shown no improved performance. The overall pass percentage for Mumbai division has dropped to 77.04% from last year's 90.41%, a drop of 13.37%.