Shillong, Oct 24: The Meghalaya School Welfare Development Association (MSWDA), Central Body, has sought clarification from the Directorate of Educational Research & Training (DERT) and the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) regarding the recent introduction of a new system for setting question papers for Classes 6 to 9.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with officials from both departments, MSWDA President Bah H.M. Marbaniang said the Association had received information that schools will no longer be permitted to prepare their own question papers. Instead, all question papers will now be set directly by DERT and distributed digitally to the respective District School Education Officers (DSEO/SDSEO) through the DCIL-secured system.

According to the clarification received, DERT will prepare question papers for Classes 6 to 9, which will then be forwarded to district-level offices. Schools will be required to print the papers on their own as needed. The new system, however, includes a secure digital tracking feature to prevent copying or leakage of question papers.

Bah Marbaniang described the initiative as a “positive step” if accompanied by proper government communication and training. However, he noted that confusion has emerged among schools, many of which have long believed they were responsible for framing their own examination papers.

He urged the government to formally clarify the new system to ensure transparency and prevent misinterpretation as the DCIL-based digital distribution method is rolled out. The Association also requested that sufficient time and training be provided to schools to help them adapt to the new process smoothly.

MSWDA further stressed that students’ learning and preparation depend on a system that is “clear, consistent, and well-defined,” especially during critical academic transition years.