The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has attributed the not-so-impressive improvement in pass percentage to the poor performance in language subjects.

“Overall, students have neglected language subjects. This can be a reason for the pass percentage not improving significantly. This year, more students have secured pass marks in mathematics as compared to language subjects,” said Partha Roy, secretary, West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.

Mamata Ray, president of the Board, added: “Students in the city and adjoining areas have ignored subjects like language and history.”

Mathematics emerged as one of the most rewarding subjects this year with about 35,000 students scoring Grade AA (above 90 marks). In first languages, less than 500 candidates got 90 per cent marks and above, while in history and second language, the number of students scoring above 90 per cent marks stood at 2,000 and 2,500, respectively.

Also, the number of students awarded compartmental has reduced this year. Compared to the 92,970 candidates who were given compartmental last year, this year the figure stood at 51,826.

“It is better to have less compartmental students. These students have to wait for an entire year for appearing in one or two subjects,” said a Board official.

Boys, meanwhile, outshone girls with a pass percentage of 86.05 as compared to the 77.43 recorded by girls.

In terms of pass percentage, East Midnapore took the cake among districts with a percentage of 90.73, followed by Howrah, which recorded a pass percentage of 85.42. While Hooghly recorded a pass percentage of 85 per cent, North 24-Parganas’ figure stood at 84.39. South 24-Parganas recorded a pass percentage of 84.32, followed by Kolkata, which was placed sixth with a pass percentage of 83.75. The lowest pass percentage of 64.71 was recorded in Purulia.