The dropout rate among higher secondary level students has emerged as a new challenge in the academic sector. A recent record shows around 20 percent students who enroll in grades 11 and 12 quit before completing the course.

According to data at the Higher Secondary Education Board, over 170,000 students in grades 11 and 12 dropped out  before their final examinations. Around 937,000 students enrolled in the two grades in the last academic year; however, only 764,725 registered for the final examination set to begin on Friday.

Officials claimed most of the dropouts either went abroad for employment or quit studies for social reasons.

source: the kathmandu post,1 may 2014