The pass percentage in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations has shown a significant upward trend over the past three decades, increasing from 30.9 per cent in 1994 to 65.62 per cent in 2026, according to official data released by education authorities.
The figures reflect steady progress in the state’s education system, driven by improvements in infrastructure, teaching methods, and greater student participation. However, the overall growth has been accompanied by periodic fluctuations, often influenced by policy changes and exceptional circumstances.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the pass percentage remained relatively low, ranging between 28.9 per cent and 38.7 per cent. The lowest point was recorded in 1997, when only 28.9 per cent of students passed the examination. A gradual improvement began in the early 2000s, with the pass percentage crossing the 50 per cent mark for the first time in 2005.
Between 2011 and 2016, results stabilised, generally staying above 60 per cent. In 2013, the pass percentage reached a notable 70.7 per cent, reflecting better academic performance and improved access to educational resources. However, 2017 saw a sharp drop to 47.9 per cent, one of the steepest declines in recent years, before the trend gradually recovered.
A major milestone was recorded in 2021, when the pass percentage surged to a record 93.1 per cent—the highest ever. Experts attribute this spike to alternative evaluation methods adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when regular examinations were disrupted.
After the pandemic, results returned to more typical levels. The pass percentage stood at 56.4 per cent in 2022, rose to 72.6 per cent in 2023, and reached 75.7 per cent in 2024—the highest under normal examination conditions in recent years. It then dipped slightly to 63.98 per cent in 2025 before stabilising at 65.62 per cent in 2026, indicating a return to consistency.
Educationists say the long-term improvement is the result of sustained
