Assam Education Minister issues clarification: No change in SEBA fees for HSLC exam

In a recent tweet, Assam's Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, has emphatically denied rumors of an impending increase in exam fees for the 10th-grade High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examinations conducted by the Secondary Education Board of Assam (SEBA). Minister Pegu has unequivocally stated that the fee structure for the class 10 exams remains unchanged from the previous year. This announcement seeks to dispel any confusion and reassure students, parents, and the education community.

Clarity on HSLC Exam Fees

The Education Minister, through a post on social media, clarified that the examination fee structure for the HSLC examination remains consistent with the previous year. The fee breakdown for class 10 exams is as follows:

• SEBA fee: Rs. 700
• Centre fee: Rs. 350
• Practical exam fee: Rs. 150

This adds up to a total fee of Rs. 1200. Importantly, it's worth noting that students falling under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are exempted from paying these fees. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder students' access to education and their pursuit of academic excellence.

Transition to New Assessment Methods

Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has also shared an important development in the education landscape. Starting from the academic year 2024, class 10 students will no longer undergo traditional board examinations. Instead, they will undergo class-level assessments at the Madhyamik level. However, it's important to note that Assam's Higher Secondary (HS) examinations for class 12 will continue as usual.

Moreover, the state government is planning to establish a new, unified educational board for Assam, bringing together the existing separate boards. This decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 and aims to streamline and enhance the education system in the state.

Commitment to Affordable Education

Minister Ranoj Pegu's prompt clarification serves as a testament to the government's commitment to transparency and providing accurate information, especially regarding crucial matters related to education and students. It reaffirms Assam's dedication to making education affordable and accessible to all eligible students, ensuring that no one is discouraged from participating in the HSLC examination due to misinformation about fee increases.

As the HSLC exams draw closer, students can approach their preparations with confidence, knowing that the fees for the upcoming examination remain unchanged from the previous year. This not only fosters an environment of trust but also encourages students to focus on their studies and strive for academic excellence. Assam's education authorities are working diligently to ensure that the education system remains student-friendly, inclusive, and aligned with the changing educational landscape in the country.