Shillong, Jan 16: Cabinet has approved a new provision to allow admission and registration of private candidates for the SSLC examination under the Meghalaya Board of School Education. This decision will help students who could not clear the matric exam earlier or had to drop out after class 8 due to various circumstances.
“We are streamlining the process to make it easier for anyone who wishes to complete Class 10 to do so. We are confident this step will encourage many to return, complete their education, and build a better future”, Chief Minister said.
In a separate statement, commissioner and secretary education, Vijay Mantri said this is a significant step towards educational inclusion, equity, and second-chance opportunities.
Under the existing system, students could appear in the SSLC examination only through regular schooling by being registered in Class IX and Class X in recognised schools. There was no formal mechanism for school dropouts, failed candidates, or students pursuing professional sports, arts, or other legitimate pursuits outside regular schooling to obtain SSLC certification. The cabinet’s approval addresses this long-standing gap.
A lifeline for school dropouts
Over the last ten years, 8,33,838 students in Meghalaya have dropped out of regular schooling at various levels due to socio-economic hardships, health issues, family responsibilities, and other unavoidable circumstances. For many of them, the absence of an SSLC certificate has remained a major barrier to employment, skill development, and personal growth.
The newly approved provision offers a structured and regulated pathway for such individuals to re-enter the education system and appear for the SSLC examination as private candidates, subject to eligibility, verification, and Board approval.
Hope for students who could not clear SSLC earlier
In addition, during the last decade, more than 2,00,000 students could not successfully clear SSLC examination even after the permissible attempts. The new framework provides a renewed opportunity for such candidates to make another attempt at the SSLC examination, thereby helping them complete secondary education and improve their future prospects.
Importance of SSLC certification
The SSLC certificate is a critical qualification for accessing most government jobs, higher education, vocational training, and skill-based employment. Beyond employment, obtaining an SSLC certificate also instils self-confidence, self-respect, and a sense of dignity, enabling individuals to participate more meaningfully in social and economic life.
Key features of the approved provision
Private candidates may be admitted only through affiliated schools designated as SSLC examination Centres.
Eligibility includes genuine school dropouts, unsuccessful SSLC candidates, professional sportspersons, artists, and other categories notified by the Board.
Adequate safeguards have been built in to prevent misuse and discourage premature dropouts from regular schooling.
Schools admitting private candidates will provide minimum instructional support and guidance as prescribed by MBOSE.
Detailed guidelines and amendments to MBOSE regulations will be notified separately.
