In a significant development, the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) has cancelled all remaining Class 11 (Higher Secondary First Year) examinations scheduled from March 24 to 29, 2025, following reports of multiple question paper leaks across various subjects. ETEducation.com
Sequence of Events Leading to Cancellation
- Mathematics Paper Leak: The issue first came to light when the Mathematics examination, initially slated for March 21, 2025, was cancelled due to a confirmed paper leak. Investigations revealed that 18 schools, including three government institutions, had breached protocol by opening the sealed question papers a day before the scheduled exam date. ETEducation.com
- Class 9 English Paper Leak: Compounding the situation, on March 20, 2025, the Class 9 English annual examination in Assam’s Barpeta district was also cancelled after the question paper was found circulating on social media platforms. The Indian Express+1ETEducation.com+1
Official Response and Actions Taken
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu announced the cancellation of the remaining Class 11 exams via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the decision was made due to reports of question paper leaks and breaches of protocol. He indicated that further actions, including rescheduling of the examinations, would be deliberated in an upcoming board meeting. ETEducation.com
The ASSEB has taken stringent measures against the implicated institutions: आज तक+2ETEducation.com+2The Indian Express+2
- Suspension of Affiliations: Fifteen private schools across ten districts have had their affiliations suspended for prematurely opening sealed question papers. ETEducation.com
- Admission Restrictions: These schools are barred from admitting Class 11 students for the 2025-26 academic year. ETEducation.com+1The Indian Express+1
- Legal Proceedings: The board has lodged police complaints against the errant institutions to facilitate a thorough investigation into the leaks. ETEducation.com
Implications for Students and Next Steps
The abrupt cancellation has left students and educators in a state of uncertainty. The ASSEB has assured that discussions regarding the rescheduling of the cancelled examinations will be prioritized in the forthcoming board meeting. Students are advised to stay updated through official channels for announcements concerning new examination dates and further instructions. ETEducation.com
Conclusion
The integrity of the examination process is paramount to ensuring fair assessment and maintaining trust in the educational system. The proactive measures taken by the Assam education authorities underscore their commitment to upholding these standards. As investigations proceed, it is hoped that the culprits behind the leaks will be identified, and corrective actions will be implemented to prevent future occurrences.
