The Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) is working to address the anticipated surge in Class 11 admissions this academic year, following a higher pass percentage in the recently declared SSLC Class 10 results.
Speaking to the media after a review meeting with all District School Education Officers (DSEOs), DSEL Director Banteilang J Kharshandi said, “We had a detailed discussion regarding Class 11 admissions. The first point was the upgradation of four government secondary schools to higher secondary level, which will be taken up by the government.”
The record 87.10 per cent pass rate this year means that there are 55,473 students who passed the exams but only 51,000 seats in higher secondary schools.
Kharshandi added that alongside upgradation, the department is also considering the introduction of new academic streams in existing institutions, depending on student demand. DSEOs have been instructed to supply admission forms and collect data from students interested in different streams. “If we see sufficient demand – say 30 to 40 students for a particular stream like Science – we will forward the proposal to the cabinet for approval,” he said.
However, Kharshandi stated that opening a new stream for just eight to 10 students would be unviable due to the number of teachers required.
Another key point discussed in the meeting was the opening of new shifts in existing institutions. “For instance, in Baghmara, the DSEO informed us that there’s good response for a morning shift at Baghmara Government Higher Secondary School and Captain Williamson Sangma Memorial College. They’re expecting around 350 students,” he noted. The DSEO has been instructed to submit a formal proposal for this, which will also be placed before the cabinet.
On the timeline, Kharshandi stated that all proposals for new streams and shifts are expected to be finalised by DSEOs by tomorrow. “Once we receive the proposals, the government will take a call on closing admissions and fixing the date for the start of the academic session. Tentatively, we are looking at June 1 as the start date,” he said, adding that a final decision will follow cabinet approval.
Asked if the department is prepared to handle the increase in students, he said, “Initially we saw a shortfall, but taking into account the number of private institutions as well as government ones – many of which are willing to upgrade – we should be able to accommodate all students, including those from the upcoming CBSE and ICSE results.”
On teacher recruitment, Kharshandi said temporary appointments will be made initially to meet the immediate requirement, and regular recruitment will be handled by the Meghalaya Education Recruitment Board after cabinet clearance.
