Assam to hold supplementary exam for Higher Secondary students
Guwahati, June 23
Assam will introduce a supplementary Higher Secondary final examination from the upcoming academic session, allowing students who fail in a limited number of subjects to improve their performance without losing an entire academic year, Assam State School Education Board Chairman Ramesh Chandra Jain announced on Tuesday.
Addressing the media, Jain said the supplementary examination will be conducted approximately two months after the declaration of HS final examination results.
The move is aimed at reducing academic loss for students and is in line with the reforms proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
According to the ASSEB Chairman, students who are unable to clear the HS final examination in a few subjects will be eligible to appear in the supplementary test and continue their academic journey without waiting for the next annual examination cycle.
Jain said a similar system has already been implemented in several educational boards across the country and has yielded positive results by reducing dropout rates and providing students with a second opportunity within the same academic year.
He noted that Assam has begun the process of implementing the reform under the NEP framework and claimed that the state would be among the first in the country to introduce such a comprehensive supplementary examination mechanism at the Higher Secondary level.
The Chairman further stated that arrangements similar to those available for students appearing in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination would also be extended wherever necessary to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
The announcement comes after the merger of the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC), which led to the formation of the unified Assam State School Education Board. Jain, a retired IAS officer, was appointed as the first Chairman of the newly constituted board.
Educationists believe the initiative could significantly benefit students by providing an additional opportunity to clear examinations and pursue higher education without interruption, while also bringing Assam's school education system closer to the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move but hope they ensure the supplementary exam is not too easy just to pass students. In some states, these exams become a 'free pass' and students don't take main exams seriously. Quality must be maintained.
As a teacher in Assam, I see this as a game-changer. Many bright students in rural areas fail due to lack of coaching or personal issues. This will save them from dropping out. Just need proper implementation. 🇮🇳
NEP 2020 reforms are finally trickling down! This is exactly what we need - flexibility in education. But the board should also announce the syllabus and pattern early so students can prepare properly. Arre, at least give them a fair chance!
Good initiative but I'm concerned about the logistics - will they have enough exam centers and evaluators? Also, what about the students who pass but want to improve their scores? That's another conversation though. Hope this works well!
Finally! My younger brother failed his HS exam last year by just 5 marks in one subject and had to waste an entire year. This would have been so helpful for him. Thank you Assam Board for thinking about students' futures. 🙏
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.