Final exams to begin on Nov 17
SHILLONG, Oct 24: The Meghalaya Schools Welfare Development Association (MSWDA-CB) on Friday informed that the question papers for core subjects of classes 6 to 9 will be prepared by the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT) and not by individual schools. The final examinations for these classes will begin on November 17.
Addressing media persons after a meeting with the Director of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), BJ Kharshandi, MSWDA-CB president Hamarbamut Marbaniang said the clarification was necessary to dispel misinformation suggesting that schools would set their own papers based on sample questions.
“After seeking clarification from the officials of DERT and the Director of MBoSE, it was confirmed that as per the notification, the questions for Classes 6 to 9 will indeed be set by DERT,” Marbaniang stated.
He informed that the question papers will be distributed through the DSEL to the respective District School Education Offices (DSEO and SDSEO), from where schools will collect and print them as required. Marbaniang further mentioned that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) detailing the dos and don’ts will be specified in an upcoming notification from DSEL.
On concerns over possible question paper leakage, the MSWDA-CB president said the Education department has assured that a foolproof system has been put in place. “In case of any leakage, the department will be able to trace the source,” he added, noting that this step follows similar incidents in the past.
He urged schools to take note of the clarification and cooperate with the new system, which the association had earlier endorsed in the interest of students and to ensure uniformity in assessment. Marbaniang also pointed out that some schools in the past had prepared question papers covering only two or three chapters, creating disparities in the education system.
“This move will help streamline examinations and uplift the overall standard of education,” he said, adding that DERT has already sent sample question papers to schools for reference.
According to Marbaniang, only core subjects will have DERT-set papers, while schools will continue to prepare papers for minor subjects on their own.
He admitted that there could be minor lapses this year since it is the first implementation but expressed confidence that the system will run smoothly from next year onwards. “Some schools and teachers have been taking things lightly, preparing questions from just a few chapters. This uniform approach will benefit students and ensure fairness,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has issued a notification announcing that the final examinations for Classes 6 to 9 will begin on November 17. The exam schedule includes English on November 17, MIL on November 19, Social Science on November 21, Mathematics on November 24, and Science on November 28.
Schools may schedule minor subjects on off days or before the notified dates. Examination halls will open at 9:30 am, question papers will be distributed at 9:45 am, and students will begin writing at 10 am sharp.
The DSEL has also instructed all schools to strictly adhere to the timetable, stating that no changes will be permitted.
