Raipur: Over 74 per cent students passed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) examination conducted by the Chhattisgarh Secondary Education Board (CSEB) in the state.

'Out of the 1,63,555 students who appeared for the examination, 1,19,828, i.e. a total of 74.37 per cent students passed,' CSEB Chairman B K S Ray said

As many as 97,404 boys and 66,151 girls attempted the Standard XII examinations, he said adding that 624 students were barred from giving examinations for various reasons.

A total of 46,444 students passed with a first class with 25,603 boys and 20,841 girls crossing the grade. Similarly, 57,570 students passed in second class, whereas 15,523 had to be satisfied with a third class, he said.

The CSEB Chairman said that the Board will felicitate the first 10 rank holders and will also bear the expenses of their higher education.