BIKANER, April 16 -- Nearly half of all sanctioned posts in Rajasthan's Sanskrit schools lie vacant even as examination results continued to improve, Department of Sanskrit Education data shows. Departmental data showed that out of 15,382 sanctioned posts, only 8,321 were filled, leaving 7,061 posts-about 46%-vacant across administrative and teaching cadres. The shortage proved more acute in teaching roles, with over 6,200 positions unfilled and signalling a major gap in classroom instruction. Mathematics emerged as the most critically affected subject. In the integrated mathematics-science category for higher classes, 1,064 of 1,077 posts stood vacant, leaving just 13 teachers and a vacancy rate of 98.79%. Including standalone mathematics posts, 1,275 of 1,545 remained empty, for an 82.52% shortage overall. Structured mathematics teaching was thus largely absent in most schools. District-wise data uncovered a clear regional pattern. Western and border districts-Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jalore and Bikaner-reported 90-100% vacancies in mathematics posts, leaving schools without subject specialists. Shortages stayed high in Sirohi, Pali, Nagaur and Chittorgarh (75-90%). Even stronger districts like Jaipur, Sikar and Jhunjhunu exceeded 50% vacancies, underlining the crisis's systemic reach. Examination results, however, showed a robust upward trend in stark contrast. In the 2026 Praveshika examination, 6,594 of 7,570 students passed, a pass rate of 87.11%. Girls outperformed boys at 88.33% against 85.77%. Most successful candidates earned second division, with over 1,400 securing first division. The gains built steadily: pass rates rose from 65.61% in 2022 to 87.11% in 2026. At higher levels, the Varishtha Upadhyaya examination held above 92%, peaking at 97.60%. District comparisons highlighted the paradox. Barmer, despite near-total mathematics vacancies, hit nearly 99%. Tonk topped 99%, Hanumangarh reached 98.64%, and Jhunjhunu and Bikaner exceeded 95%. These low-staffing areas led the state. Conversely, Kota (56.47%) and Pratapgarh (61.36%) lagged despite similar shortages. Baran and Dholpur improved gradually but trailed top performers. High vacancies across high- and low-scorers suggested staffing gaps did not fully explain performance variations. Broader subject shortages amplified the crisis: social studies exceeded 73% vacant, English neared 40%, and Sanskrit-the largest category-had over 1,600 empty posts. More than 2,100 unspecified posts showed nearly 74% vacancies, flagging data and planning issues. Additional director of the department Bharat Kumar said efforts were under way to streamline teaching. He noted most schools relied on third-grade teachers, with 573 vacancies filled recently via equalisation. Equalisation then targeted second- and first-grade roles. Proposals for 2,500 new third-grade posts were submitted, with recruitment started. "Our teachers are performing tremendously, and it is reflected in this year's results," he said. State president of Rajasthan Rajya Karmchari Samyukt Mahasangh (Loktantrik) Banwari Lal Sharma said border districts faced special challenges, as teachers preferred home districts or urban hubs like Jaipur and Sikar. His organisation demanded swift recruitment and equalisation, hoping for government action....