Berhampur: Over 1,000 tribal students in Kandhamal districtimproved their performance in the High School Certificate (HSC) examination this year, scoring above 50% compared to the previous year. The progress was made through the district administration’s initiative, Prayash Plus, a special two-month coaching programme introduced before the matric exams, officials said.Kandhamal collector Amrit Ruturaj initiated the programme with the objective of achieving higher scores rather than just passing the exam. Following a screening test, 1,026 students were selected for coaching. “Twelve hubs were set up, one in each block. Students were provided with free lodging and food in each hub, while expert teachers were engaged for two months of coaching before the exam,” said Rabindra Mishra, district welfare officer (DWO). Of the 27 students coached to achieve A2 grades (above 80%), 13 succeeded. Similarly, 128 and 546 students achieved B1 (70–79%) and B2 (60–69%) grades, surpassing targets of 87 and 249 students, respectively. Moreover, 991 students secured C grade (50–59%) compared to the target of 663. Out of 2,597 students from ST and SC residential schools who appeared for the exam, 2,562 passed — registering a pass rate of 98.65%, nearly the same as last year’s 99%. However, significantly more students scored higher grades this year. “In 2024, only 4 students got an A2 grade, while 59 achieved B1, 388 got B2, and 952 secured C,” said Mishra.