The High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination, conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), commenced today despite a 48-hour general strike looming over the state. Official figures indicate that 37,715 students are slated to appear for the HSLC Exam across 154 centers in Manipur. Among them, 27,281 students hail from private institutions, while 9,119 and 1,315 students belong to Government and aided schools, respectively. The distribution of examination centers comprises 63 in the hill districts and 91 in the valley.
Despite concerns among parents and students due to the general strike announcement, the examination proceeded as scheduled, with most students arriving at their examination centers punctually. Reflecting on the significance of the HSLC examination in shaping students’ futures, a parent expressed initial tension upon hearing news of the general strike. However, recognizing the importance of their children’s careers, they ensured their timely arrival at the examination centers.
“Living in Manipur, amidst various challenges, I’ve learned to navigate through any situation. While as parents, we felt apprehensive about the strike, we also understand the broader state issues,” shared one parent. Amidst the ongoing crisis affecting students, many parents have invested considerable efforts to support their children’s academic endeavors, urging the state government to resolve the crisis promptly to prevent any setbacks in the students’ careers.