February 21: Most class XII students are preparing for college admission. Students in the capital are visiting their previous schools to collect their school leaving certificates. Most have a common concern. Will their English marks meet the criteria?

The result of the class XII, Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate Examination (BHSEC) was declared last week. Most students did not perform well in Mathematics and English.

Only 88% of class XII students managed to get through in English. But English is a compulsory subject. Just managing to pass in English is not enough. They have to have high marks.

To qualify for tertiary institutes within the country, students must have more than 55% in English. Most students do not have this.

They told BBS that they have scored high in other subjects but they have little hope because of their performance in English.

Students said the only option left for them is either to repeat or go to India to continue their studies.