Bengaluru: In a significant move aimed at reducing dropouts and ensuring continuity in education, the Karnataka Education Department has been implementing progressive policies over the past year. One such initiative—allowing students to attempt the Second Pre-University Certificate (PUC) examination up to three times—culminated in the announcement of Exam-3 results on July 1, bringing relief and fresh opportunities to thousands of students.
This year, 22,446 students cleared the third round of exams, out of 1,11,002 who appeared, recording a pass percentage of 20.22%. For many, it was a final shot at redeeming their academic journey and qualifying for higher education or professional courses through KCET counselling.
Despite offering three exam attempts, officials found only modest improvements in overall performance. In response, the state has introduced a new policy allowing students to be promoted to the next grade even if they fail, up to the secondary level, including SSLC. The move is designed to ensure that no child is excluded from schooling due to academic setbacks.
“This is not about lowering standards, it’s about keeping children in school,” a senior officer of education department stated. “Once students stay engaged with the school environment, their learning outcomes gradually improve.”
This fresh approach is already making a difference. Praveen K, a student from Tumakuru who cleared the exam in his third attempt, shared,
“I failed twice and felt hopeless. But the extra chance and support classes gave me confidence. The new system really helped me get back on track. Now I can apply for engineering through KCET.”
To ensure better preparation, the department conducted remedial classes, waived exam fees, and mobilized district officials and school heads to raise awareness. Exams were held with transparency across 262 centres from June 9 to 20, with webcasting facilities in place.
Out of 82,683 students who had failed in PUC Exam 1 and 2, 18,834 passed Exam-3 (pass rate: 22.78%). Additionally, 17,398 students appeared to improve their marks, and 11,937 succeeded—many in key subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with hopes of improving KCET rankings.
The third exam window and newly introduced promotion policy ensured that 22,446 additional students are now eligible for further studies. These steps underscore the department’s commitment to ensuring no student is left behind.
Students can check their results online from 1:00 PM on July 1, 2025, at https://karresults.nic.in .
Karnataka’s education model is evolving—shifting from punitive repetition to supportive progression, offering renewed hope to students across the state.
Comparative Performance:
2025 PUC Exam-3:
- Appeared: 1,11,002
- Passed: 22,446 (20.22%)
2024 PUC Exam-3:
- Appeared: 71,716
- Passed: 16,136 (22.5%)
Consolidated Academic Results:
- Freshers (2025):
- Appeared: 6,39,800
- Passed: 5,45,032 (85.19%)
Total (including repeaters & private):
- Appeared: 7,09,968
- Passed: 5,66,636 (79.81%)
