KATHMANDU, June 25: Education Minister Sasmit Pokhael’s gamble to publish Grade XII results early has backfired, triggering widespread student protests and forcing the government to form a review committee.
Education Minister Pokharel had proudly defended the decision to release the results within 45 days, claiming efficiency and streamlined processes. But students allege the rush was driven by the minister’s ego rather than fairness, leaving thousands with flawed scores and shattered futures.
In response to mounting criticism, the government announced a committee to review grading and data entry. The panel, comprising under-secretaries from the Ministry of Education and the Curriculum Development Center, will conduct sampling tests of answer sheets and verify examination scores.
NEB making final preparations to publish Grade XII results
Pokharel insisted there was “no rush” and that results were published on time by mobilizing extra manpower and cutting administrative delays. Yet, the backlash tells a different story.
On Thursday, students gathered at Maitighar Mandala carrying placards reading: “Why do students have to suffer for the minister’s ego?”, “Our future has been spoiled; where should we go for justice?”, and “Our 12 years have been wasted.”
They accused the National Examination Board (NEB) of carelessly checking answer sheets and criticized the lack of an effective mechanism for re-evaluation. Many demanded free retotalling, rechecking of answer sheets, and transparency in the evaluation process.
Students also condemned the high fees for rechecking and chance exams, with Rs 1,000 charged per subject. “We are being punished twice—first with flawed results, then with unfair fees,” one protester said.
Of the 332,241 regular students who sat for the exams between April 27 and May 10, a staggering 104,711 failed. Protesters argue that many of these failures stem from the hasty publication process rather than genuine academic shortcomings.
The controversy has cast doubt on the credibility of Nepal’s examination system. Students say their futures have been jeopardized by administrative recklessness, while critics argue the minister’s rush for quick results has undermined trust in the education sector.
