Meghalaya to allow registration of private candidates for SSLC exam

The Meghalaya Cabinet today approved a new provision to allow admission and registration of private candidates for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (SSLC/Class 10) 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 to complete Class 10. “We are confident this step will encourage many to return, complete their education, and build a better future,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said.

The Cabinet has also approved the introduction of Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL) as a structured curricular component for Classes VI to X. Currently, Health and Physical Education is offered as a sixth subject for Classes VI to X, and its content is largely limited to textbooks and theoretical information related to health and physical activities. To make this subject more meaningful and experiential, the Cabinet has decided to integrate Community-Integrated Skill Learning into it. Students will be encouraged to identify and learn one or more practical skills that align with their interests and family or community background. For example, if a student’s parent is engaged in farming, the student may choose to learn agricultural skills directly from the parent. Similarly, skills practiced by other family members or within the local community can be explored. The student will be required to actively learn, practice, and demonstrate the chosen skill.

This initiative has several important benefits suc as skill development as students will acquire practical, productive skills that can be useful in their future lives; occupational continuity since this approach increases the likelihood of preserving and valuing traditional family and community occupations; social and family impact since it will encourage positive engagement and collaboration between students and their family members, strengthening social bonds. “Overall, the introduction of CISL is an innovative step by the Education Department, aimed at bridging classroom learning with real-life skills, enhancing family participation in education, and creating meaningful social impact,” the CM said.