Girls once again stole the spotlight as the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) declared the Class 12 results on Monday, recording a sharp rise in the overall pass percentage and continuing a strong trend of academic excellence among female students.More than 81,000 students appeared for the examinations across Science, Commerce and Arts streams, which were conducted in March under strict supervision.Declaring the results at a press conference held here, HPBOSE Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma said that a total of 81,417 candidates appeared in the Class 12 examinations this year, out of which 74,637 students passed, registering an overall pass percentage of 92.02 per cent. As many as 3,071 students were placed in the compartment category. In comparison, the pass percentage last year stood at 86.16 per cent, reflecting a significant improvement of over five percentage points. Students can check their results on the board’s website, www.hpbose.org.Girls once again outperformed boys, maintaining a consistent trend seen over the years. A total of 76 students featured in the combined top 10 merit list, of which 60 are girls and 16 boys. Anshit Sharma topped the overall merit list with an impressive 99.2 per cent marks.Government schools, particularly in rural areas, also showed marked improvement, indicating better academic support systems and focused preparation at the grassroots level.Science stream toppersShayla Kashyap of The New Era School of Sciences, Chhatri secured the first position with 99 per cent marks. She was followed by Sanchita Dhiman of Gurukul Public Senior Secondary School, Amb and Kashi Sharma of Aryan Public School, Jhandi, who jointly secured second position with 98.6 per cent marks. Tamana Sharma of Jattviberise Public School, Baruna; Nitin Kumar of AVM Secondary School, Pahra; and Vaishali Thakur of SD Public Senior Secondary School, Santokhgarh stood joint third with 98.4 per cent marks.Commerce stream toppersYashsvani Chauhan and Krishika of St. DR Public School, Gagret, along with Ayan of AVM Senior Secondary School, Pahra, secured the top position with 98.2 per cent marks. Anjali and Muskan of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Nagrota Bagwan and Jahanvi of Shivalik Science Senior Secondary School, Kharuni stood joint second with 97.8 per cent marks. The third position was shared by Akshima Pathania and Ridhima of Government Senior Secondary School, Malahri, and Muskan Thakur of PM Shri Model Senior Secondary School, Dhundla, each scoring 97.6 per cent.Arts stream toppersAnshit Sharma of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Bhawarna clinched the top position with 99.2 per cent marks. Arushi of Government Senior Secondary School, Kanger Dharyar secured second place with 99 per cent marks, while Shamaya Barjatya of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Dari stood third with 98.8 per cent marks.The board ensured a streamlined and transparent evaluation process, enabling the timely declaration of results. Officials said all necessary checks were carried out to maintain accuracy in marking and tabulation.Students dissatisfied with their scores will have the option to apply for re-evaluation or rechecking within the stipulated timeline. The board will also conduct compartment examinations for those who could not clear one or more subjects.Celebrations were reported from several schools across the state as successful students shared their achievements with teachers and peers.Students who are not satisfied with their marks can apply for re-evaluation or rechecking through their respective schools till May 19 by depositing a fee of Rs. 1,000 for re-evaluation and Rs. 800 for rechecking, said Board Secretary Dr. (Major) Vishal Sharma.