DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
The Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment (BCSEA) has announced the national examination results for 2025, presenting a mixed picture of notable individual achievements alongside widening performance gaps within the education system.
According to BCSEA, the Class XII Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) examinations recorded a total of 9,273 registered candidates from 81 schools, including 71 government and 10 private institutions.
The majority of registered students appeared for the examinations. The overall pass rate stood at 77.84 percent, reflecting a significant decline compared to the 85.78 percent pass rate recorded in the previous year.
The major dip has drawn attention to issues related to instructional quality, assessment standards, and student readiness.
A stream-wise analysis of the results reveals marked disparities in performance.
Arts students recorded the highest success rate at 91.46 percent, demonstrating comparatively strong outcomes in humanities-based subjects. Science students achieved a pass rate of 75.68 percent, while Commerce registered the lowest at 73.57 percent.
These variations have raised concerns regarding the preparedness of students in subjects requiring higher levels of numerical, analytical, and practical competencies.
Education observers have cautioned that such differences could have implications for students pursuing further studies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and business-related fields.
Despite the overall decline, several students delivered outstanding performances across all streams.
In the Arts category, Sonam Dorji from Karma Academy in Paro emerged as the top scorer with 85.75 percent. He was followed by Thinley Wangmo, who secured 85 percent, and Rinchen Tshering with 83.5 percent.
The Commerce stream was led by Trashley Pee Ongmo of Motithang Higher Secondary School in Thimphu, who achieved 86.5 percent.
In Science, Jigme Singye Tenzin of Ugyen Academy topped the stream with an impressive score of 93 percent, followed by Sangay Choden Phuntsho at 92.5 percent and Kuenzang Tenzin at 91.75 percent.
While these results reflect individual academic excellence, the overall performance trends suggest that a considerable number of students, particularly in Science and Commerce, continue to face challenges in meeting higher academic benchmarks.
BCSEA also released results for the Language and Culture Studies Certificate (LCSC) examinations. A total of 200 students from Taktse Central School registered for the examination, with 199 candidates appearing.
The pass rate was recorded at 97.49 percent, underscoring Bhutan’s continued emphasis on cultural and language education.
Leading scorers in the LCSC examination included Kezang Choden with 92.25 percent, Tashi Lham with 92 percent, and Tshering Wangchuk Doya with 90.75 percent.
However, analysts have pointed out that the contrast between high performance in cultural studies and lower outcomes in core academic streams may indicate an imbalance in academic focus.
At the middle school level, the Class VIII Board Examination saw participation from 12,039 students representing 168 schools across the country. The overall pass percentage for Class VIII stood at 76.98 percent.
The top performer was Sidanth Bhandari of Loselling Middle Secondary School, who scored 94.6 percent. He was followed by Sangay Chhoden Lhazeem of Mongar Middle Secondary School with 94 percent, and Ngawang Jetsun Seldon of Jigme Namgyel Lower Secondary School, who achieved 93.6 percent.
While these individual scores suggest a strong academic foundation among high achievers, the overall pass rate indicates that many students continue to struggle with fundamental learning concepts.
Education analysts have noted that the declining pass percentages, particularly in Science and Commerce streams, may be influenced by multiple factors. These include increased examination rigor, variations in teaching quality, large class sizes, and deficiencies in practical and analytical skill development.
“While top achievers continue to shine, the broader cohort indicates systemic challenges that must be addressed to prevent students from falling behind at higher education levels,” official from BCSEA said.
The disparity in outcomes between Arts and other academic streams has also drawn attention to potential gaps in curriculum delivery, availability of resources, and student support mechanisms.
Schools with well-established humanities programmes have recorded stronger results, while institutions offering Science and Commerce streams may require enhanced teacher training, improved laboratory facilities, and stronger academic guidance for students.
The examination outcomes further highlight the importance of early academic intervention. Analysts note that Class VIII performance often serves as an indicator of future achievement at the senior secondary level.
Strengthening foundational education at the middle school stage, reinforcing STEM instruction, and providing targeted support for underperforming students could help address learning gaps before they impact higher secondary results.
As Bhutan reviews the 2025 examination outcomes, education stakeholders face the challenge of ensuring both quality and fairness within the system.
