Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma on Monday urged students across Meghalaya to set aside all distractions and focus entirely on their studies as the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) Examination 2025 commenced under the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE).
“Today, the SSLC Examination 2025 has started, conducted by MBoSE, with around 64,387 Class 10 students and 29,773 Class 12 students appearing for their final examinations. On this occasion, I send my best wishes and prayers to each one of them. At the same time, I advise students to concentrate fully on their studies—forget everything else, be it television, mobile phones, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, or even friends. This moment will determine your future, so stay focused,” Sangma stated.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s poor SSLC results over the last decade, the minister made an earnest appeal to parents to ensure their children prioritize academics. “Looking at past performances, students in Shillong, Tura, and Jowai have fared better, but rural areas continue to lag. I urge parents to encourage their children to study harder and also request teachers and faculty members to provide greater guidance and support,” he emphasized.
Meghalaya’s SSLC examination results have remained concerning, with an average pass percentage of just 50% between 2015 and 2024. In 2024 alone, 124 schools failed to produce a single passing student, while 36 schools recorded a zero pass percentage for three consecutive years. In 2023, 146 schools reported zero pass rates, a rise from 118 schools in 2022. The alarming trend has raised serious concerns about the state’s education system, prompting renewed calls for intervention and reform.