In a significant shift aimed at enhancing educational support for students, Meghalaya’s Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma announced on Saturday that the state will introduce twice-yearly board examinations for class 10 students starting in 2025. This new measure, approved by the state cabinet, will see the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) conducting the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams two times annually.

Details of the New Exam Schedule

According to Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma, the SSLC exams will be held twice each year. The first examination will take place either in February or early March, while the second will be conducted in May. This initiative is designed to offer students who did not pass their exams another opportunity to succeed. Sangma highlighted that this decision is in line with the ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), which aims to better support students’ educational needs.

Impact and Implementation

The introduction of twice-yearly exams is expected to provide significant benefits to students who may struggle with the single annual exam format. By offering an additional chance within the same academic year, the initiative aims to reduce student stress and improve overall pass rates. The first exam of the year will be held early, allowing students to address any academic challenges before the second round of tests.

Changes in Exam Requirements Starting 2026

In addition to the new exam schedule, the state cabinet has also approved changes to the exam requirements for the 2026-2027 academic years. Starting from this period, students will be required to pass all six subjects in the board exams. The previously existing ‘Best of Five Papers’ or optional paper system will be eliminated, ensuring that students must achieve a passing grade in every subject.

Additional Approvals

During the same cabinet meeting, several other important decisions were made. The cabinet approved the Meghalaya Subordinate Water Resources Engineering Service Rules, 2024, as well as amendments to the Farmer Empowerment Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024. New service rules for Meghalaya Public Schools were also sanctioned, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the state’s educational and administrative frameworks.

This overhaul in the examination system reflects Meghalaya’s dedication to enhancing educational outcomes and aligns with broader national educational reforms. By implementing these changes, the state aims to provide better support for its students and improve the overall quality of education.