Principal Secretary General Education Sharmila Mary Joseph, who announced the SSLC results on Friday, is an SSLC holder herself.
Mrs. Joseph placed third in 1986 and secured 580 marks. A student at the Convent School of the Holy Angels in the capital, she worked hard and excelled in her studies. “Competition was tight at our school. Every year students made it to the top. Many of us aspired to make it to the top,” she said.
In 1986, the girls placed in the top three, with Mrs. Joseph sharing third place with a student. This was also at a time when the pass percentage was 46.73% as opposed to now where the pass percentage is over 99%. “There was also the pressure of exams. SSLC exams were held on consecutive days, morning and afternoon. There was no gap between exams like there is now.”
When asked if she wanted the grading system to return, Ms. Joseph said the grading change was made based on several studies that highlighted the extreme pressure placed on students by the race to achieve grades. In the case of grading, grading was supposed to end comparing students and labeling them, she pointed out.
After school, Ms. Joseph went on to complete her MBBS. She was pursuing MD when she appeared for the civil service exam.
Ms. Joseph, for whom the announcement was unexpected, expressed satisfaction over the delivery of the SSLC results. She urged the students to set ambitious goals and dedicate themselves to their studies to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities.
Published – 15 May 2026 23:42 IST
