A total of 61.17 percent of students under the regular category secured a pass grade as the National Examination Board (NEB) published the results of this year’s Grade 12 examinations on Monday.

Out of 396,347 regular candidates who appeared for the exams held between May 4 and 16, a total of 242,465 students received grades in all subjects.

In the partial category, 114,640 students took part, of which 41,840—or 36.49 percent—were declared to have passed.

According to the NEB, 13,502 students scored a GPA between 3.61 and 4—the highest category—while 55,896 students achieved between 3.21 and 3.60.

Similarly, 69,812 obtained a GPA between 2.81 and 3.20. Meanwhile, 8,964 students fell within the 2.01 to 2.40 bracket, and only 23 students scored between 1.61 and 2.

A total of 153,882 students received non-graded (NG) results, meaning they failed to obtain the minimum required grade in one or more subjects. NEB Chairperson Mahashram Sharma said that most students failed in English, Accountancy, Social Studies, and Nepali.

Students receiving non-graded results in up to two subjects—or those who were absent in no more than two subjects—will be eligible to sit for the grade improvement exams scheduled for September 13 and 14. To qualify, they must have secured at least a 'D' grade in all other theoretical subjects.

This year’s pass rate shows a marked improvement over last year’s figure of 52 percent. The board said all necessary preparations for the grade improvement exams are underway, and eligible students will be notified accordingly.