By Babu Kular Khongjirem
The Meghalaya Government’s proposal to conduct the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination in December, announced earlier this year through the Education Department, has now become a reality. Acting on the government’s directive, the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE), Tura, has released the examination schedule, with the SSLC Examination 2026 scheduled from December 4 to 16.
This is not the first time MBoSE has experimented with a December matriculation examination. In 1984 and 1985, when it was known as the High School Leaving Certificate Examination, the Board reportedly adopted a similar schedule. The arrangement was later found impractical and the examination was shifted back to February and March.
According to the MBoSE notification, schools and students appearing for the SSLC Examination 2026 must complete the online registration process by September 25. Applications submitted after the deadline will attract a late fee of ₹400 in addition to the prescribed examination fee.
At present, schools are at different stages of their academic schedules. While some have already conducted their selection tests, others are still in the process. Several institutions are also expected to announce their selection-test results shortly.
In East Khasi Hills, the results of Regular-II and private candidates appearing with selection tests were reportedly declared on September 11 under arrangements made by the office of the District School Education Officer.
The more important question, however, is whether schools will be able to complete the entire SSLC syllabus adequately within the limited time available. Many schools still have several chapters to cover, while only institutions following faster academic schedules may have completed their courses.
This raises a fundamental question: Is December really the right time to conduct the SSLC Examination?
Earlier this year, MBoSE held consultations with school authorities to seek their views on the proposal. Teachers and school administrators expressed differing opinions.
Those supporting the December examination argued that students would be able to recall lessons more effectively because the examination would take place soon after the completion of regular classes. They also suggested that evaluation could be undertaken in January, while completing the examination earlier would allow schools to begin the new academic session around February.
However, opponents of the proposal highlighted several practical difficulties. December is already a demanding period for teachers, who have to evaluate annual examination papers of students from different classes, including Class IX. It is also a major holiday period when teachers have family and personal commitments.
The most significant concern, however, relates to the difference between MBoSE’s proposed academic calendar and those followed by national boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).
National boards generally conduct their examinations between February and March, declare results around May and begin new academic sessions thereafter. If MBoSE students complete their SSLC examination in December and receive their results by March, they could face a gap of three or four months before enrolling in higher secondary courses.
This raises another concern: Would students remain academically idle from December until June?
A prolonged break could affect students’ study habits, motivation and academic continuity. It could also create difficulties for higher secondary institutions in Meghalaya. If MBoSE students are admitted in March or April while institutions wait for students from national boards to receive their results around May or June, schools could effectively have to operate two different admission and academic schedules.
Students seeking admission outside Meghalaya could face similar problems. Many institutions outside the State begin their new academic sessions around June. Students who complete their SSLC examination several months earlier may therefore still have to wait before they can begin their higher studies.
These are not merely administrative issues. They have a direct bearing on the academic progression, opportunities and well-being of thousands of students.
The Meghalaya Government and MBoSE should therefore carefully assess whether the December examination schedule is academically appropriate, practically feasible and properly aligned with the broader education system in the country.
Any reform in the examination system should ultimately benefit students, teachers and educational institutions. An earlier examination may appear advantageous, but without adequate preparation, coordination and a clear plan for admissions and higher education, it could create more uncertainty and hardship than improvement.
The question, therefore, is not simply whether the SSLC examination can be held in December, but whether doing so is in the best academic interests of Meghalaya’s students.
