Guwahati: The Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) on Tuesday announced a set of reforms aimed at restructuring the state’s school education system, shortly after declaring the Higher Secondary (HS) examination results.
Addressing a press conference, ASSEB chairman R.C. Jain said the board is considering cancelling the affiliation of 49 schools that have consistently recorded poor academic performance. He added that the current format of vocational examinations would be phased out from this year, indicating a shift towards a revised framework for skill-based education.
The board said the process for re-checking answer scripts will begin within two days, allowing students to apply for verification of their results.
In a policy change, ASSEB said students failing in more than two subjects will no longer be eligible for compartmental examinations and will have to seek fresh admission. At the same time, those who clear individual subjects will be awarded skill certificates, as part of efforts to integrate vocational competencies into mainstream education.
Aligning with norms of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the board has made it mandatory for students to secure at least 33% marks in each subject to pass. The re-admission portal for unsuccessful candidates will be opened after two weeks.
Highlighting institutional performance, ASSEB said 102 government schools and 207 private schools recorded unsatisfactory results in the HSLC examinations, prompting the board to consider stricter monitoring.
From 2027, the higher secondary structure will be streamlined into three core streams—Arts, Science and Commerce. Subjects will be grouped into three categories, with Arts students required to choose at least one skill-based subject, making skill education partly mandatory.
The board also announced that General Studies will be introduced as a compulsory subject across all streams.
In a cultural initiative, ASSEB said quotes from Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg will be included in the academic calendar.
The board has urged institutions to implement the measures effectively and adhere to the revised academic standards.