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The Tamil Nadu Department of Prisons and Correctional Services reported a 98.33% pass rate in the Class XII state board examinations, with 236 of 240 incarcerated candidates successfully clearing the exam, including seven women. The top three rank holders were inmates at Central Prison, Palayamkottai, and the results reflect coordinated efforts between prison authorities and the School Education Department to conduct exams within correctional facilities.
P. Vinith, serving a 10-year sentence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, scored 549 out of 600 to secure first place. T. Manikandan, convicted in a murder case and serving life imprisonment, stood second with 531 marks, while B. Balu, detained under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, ranked third with 527 marks. A majority of the successful candidates were convicted in serious offenses including murder, rape, NDPS Act violations, and POCSO Act cases.
The School Education Department established examination centers within prisons following requests from prison officials. Additional Director-General of Police, Prisons, K. Shankar, stated that elementary schools staffed with qualified teachers operate in all central and special women’s prisons, as well as in Pudukkottai District Jail, offering educational and vocational training to support post-release rehabilitation.
The prison department will continue expanding access to formal education and skill development programs for inmates, with the next round of board exams expected to include an increased number of participants. Official data will be submitted to the state education board for final validation.