GPA-5 realities

The results of the HSC exams are much better this year in all sectors. Students from 8,104 institutions took this year's HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) and equivalent exams. The previous year's success rate was 74.30 per cent, and 58,197 students had scored GPA-5.Students have consistently been doing well in the HSC-level education and examinations since 2005. Only 20 students scored GPA-5 when it was inaugurated in 2003; the number is 70,602 in 2014. This is undoubtedly an impressive improvement  in our education system.

The big success in the HSC examinations, however, also brings forth concern about enrollment as seats are limited at public universities. For instance, most of the GPA-5 achievers in the Science group expect to get admitted to BUET, which has 965 seats only. On the other hand, the students of the arts and commerce have great expectation to get admitted to Dhaka University,  but it has 5,787 seats (including Science) only.The total number of seats at public universities is around 50,000 --- while public and private medical colleges can accommodate up to 8,000  students.It sheds light on the fact that GPA-5 does not ensure better education prospects.Besides, most of the university-passed students do not get standard jobs. It makes them frustrated sometimes.

Alongside the rise in the number of GPA-5 achievers, we also need quality education.

Md.Masud Rana

Sociology Department

Final Year, University of Dhaka            

masudrana114du@gmail.com