In the past, about seven decades back, graduating from a school was a Herculean task and was a matter of great pride for the student himself/herself, the family and even to their society. [break]
Even if students worked dead hard and burned the midnight oil, it was not that easy for them to pass their exams with second or third division. Only minimal number of students got through the exam and only a few lucky ones would get first division. Those who graduated could now be entitled to good opportunities and reputation. They were going to and were supposed to shoulder important responsibilities.
However, over the past few years, getting a distinction does not seem to be a great matter. There are quite a lot of students who get that best grade. This means there is tough competition.
A distinction alone may not guarantee a good job; other skills are also taken into consideration.
“Today getting highest percentage in SLC examination has nothing to do with getting a good job with a handsome salary,” said Ram Krishna Acharya, 25, a student at Tribhuvan
University.
In the present context, getting through the SLC examination only paves the way to build a career.
“In fact, marks obtained in bachelor and master levels are given more value than good grades of SLC,” added Acharya.
Unlike in the past, school graduates do not get coveted jobs. Since the number of educated people is increasing every year, and there is so much competition, one has to at least have a master´s degree in any discipline to get a reputable job, Acharya opined.
However, Samjhana Poudel, coordinator of New Summit Higher Secondary School, believed that quality school education was still very important for future careers.
“Nowadays most students are getting quality education, so those students are likely to be competitive enough to deserve the best in the future, ,” Poudel said.
With a smiling face, she said that scoring highest marks in SLC exam is still considered a lifetime achievement and is celebrated in our society.
“However, these days one need not be disheartened even if the exam does not go fine,” opined Poudel, adding, “Even the students scoring average marks are getting scholarships. Furthermore, through mass media, students can be well-informed about other numerous options available.”
Diwash Shakya, Managing Director of Pyramid College, also agreed that the mass media was doing good to students. In the past only a few majors were available. But today most students and parents are aware of other options available through different communication channels.
Shakya believed that it was also due to parents´ concerns for their children and their levels of awareness that the students were academically performing better.
“The courses for SLC examination have not been made easier, but it is due to students´ hard work and parents´ support, great results have come out. Some people wrongly think that these days the courses are easier,” said Shakya.
No doubt, there are still quite a significant number of students who fail SLC exams, especially those who are from rural areas and who go to government schools. Even those who get through SLC exams find it pretty hard to compete with private-school students who pass the exams with flying colors.
Unless new education system is introduced, a yawning gap between these students seems to go on.
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