In a significant move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) has announced that it will begin conducting the Assam Class 12 (HSC) board examinations twice a year starting from the academic session 2027. This reform is designed to offer students greater flexibility and multiple opportunities to perform better in their board exams.
The decision comes in the wake of a similar model recently adopted by CBSE, and was communicated by ASSEB through an official notification released earlier this year.
Second Attempt Within Same Academic Year
As per the announcement, students who appear for the first session of the Assam Class 12 exams (February–March) will now be able to take a second round of exams within three months from the declaration of results. This second round will serve both as a repeat exam for those aiming to improve their scores and a compartment exam for students who failed in one or more subjects.
Previously, students seeking to improve their marks or clear failed subjects had to wait until the following academic year to reappear. This change eliminates that delay, allowing learners to complete their 12th education cycle within the same year.
Eligibility Criteria for Second Round
However, not all students will automatically qualify for the second attempt. According to the new guidelines, students must fulfill two key eligibility conditions:
- They must secure at least 170 marks in the main board examination.
- They must not fail in more than three subjects.
- Only those meeting these criteria will be eligible to sit for the second round of the Class 12 board exams.
Compartment and Repeat Exams: Clarified
- The repeat exam will cater to students who passed the board exams but are unsatisfied with their marks and want a second shot at improvement.
- The compartment exam is meant for those who failed in one or more subjects but wish to qualify without waiting for another year.
Changes Expected for Class 10 Exams Too
In addition to reforms for Class 12, ASSEB is also considering similar changes for the Assam HSLC board exams. From the 2027 session onwards, Class 10 students may also be given the opportunity to reappear for a second board exam within the same year to boost their scores.
This move by the Assam education board marks a major shift in board exam policy, emphasizing student well-being, academic flexibility, and continuous improvement. The dual exam model is expected to reduce academic pressure while opening up new opportunities for students to achieve their desired academic outcomes.
