Phnom Penh High School Exam Sees 77.89% Pass Rate, 783 Achieve Grade A

The results for the 2023 Cambodian high school graduation exam (Bakdup) in the Phnom Penh region have been announced. According to Mr. Hem Sinareth, Director of the Phnom Penh Department of Education, Youth, and Sports, 22,461 out of 28,835 candidates passed in the region, achieving a pass rate of 77.89%. The pass rate for female candidates was 84.53%. Among the successful candidates, 783 achieved a Grade A, the highest distinction (including 417 females). Additionally, 2,317 students received a Grade B, 4,443 a Grade C, 6,913 a Grade D, and 8,005 a Grade E. Mr. Hem Sinareth noted that this result shows a slight decrease compared to the previous year. In 2022, 21,386 candidates passed out of 27,225 who took the exam in Phnom Penh, with a pass rate of 78.55%, and 1,023 students achieved a Grade A. Nationally, the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports reported that for the exam held on August 10, 2023, 125,975 out of 144,848 candidates passed, resulting in a national pass rate of 84.06%. A total of 2,022 students nationwide obtained a Grade A. The previous year, 122,473 candidates passed, representing 84.56% of the approximately same number of test-takers. This included 3,003 Grade A recipients, 9,901 Grade B, 28,801 Grade C, 45,859 Grade D, and 34,909 Grade E. The high school graduation exam in Cambodia is a crucial test that significantly influences opportunities for higher education and employment, garnering considerable public interest. Recent exam results are closely watched as indicators of the quality of the education system and students' academic achievements. With deepening relations with China, fostering a skilled workforce is key to national development, and investment in education along with its outcomes could impact Cambodia's future economic growth and international competitiveness.