The former Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty has congratulated students who have become eligible for higher studies after completing Class X in the State syllabus.

Mr. Sivankutty, in a Facebook post, said the pass percentage of 99.07 was the result of students’ hard work and of their parents and teachers’ dedication. He reminded students who did not get the desired grades or who did not become eligible for higher studies that this was not the end, but a new start. Students should be able to realise that one result does not determine the value of their life. The SAY exams offered another opportunity to improve their results. Parents should also hold their children close and give them confidence, whatever the results be.

In a statement, Mr. Sivankutty said the changes in question paper pattern had been introduced to equip students to appear in national-level entrance tests. Though it was claimed that the changes would prove to be a setback to students, the results show that it is possible to improve quality without failing anyone, he said.