The number of Bronx and city high school students who graduated with a Regents diploma reportedly skyrocketed in 2005.

According to a New York Post report, education officials attribute the increase in Regents diplomas to the state easing criteria for earning that diploma. Department of Education figures show more than 35 percent of students in last year?s graduating class received a Regents diploma. The number of students from the previous year was 18 percent.

The Post reports that the jump follows a new set of requirements adopted by the state Board of Regents. Students are now allowed to earn a Regents if they score 65 and above on only five exams. In previous years, students had to score 65 and above on eight exams.