SSLC examination: 9,767 Meghalaya dropouts get second chance in December 2026

A total of 9,767 former school dropouts across Meghalaya have registered as private candidates for the upcoming Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination, scheduled for December 2026. These registrations were completed by September 29, 2026, under the state’s Second Chance Learning Program, which aims to provide a flexible pathway for individuals to complete their Class X education.

The initiative is a joint effort by the Meghalaya government, the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE), and the Meghalaya Program for Adolescent Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience (MPOWER). It targets learners who discontinued formal education due to various circumstances, including financial difficulties, family responsibilities, migration, early marriage, and geographical barriers.

Second Chance Learning Program Details

The Second Chance Learning Program has received registrations from all 12 districts of Meghalaya, indicating a widespread demand for such an opportunity. The program caters to adolescents, young adults, and older learners, with no upper age limit for candidates. This inclusive approach aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on flexible learning, inclusion, re-entry into education, and lifelong learning.

MBOSE is responsible for providing the academic and examination framework, while MPOWER supports community mobilisation, mentoring, registration, learner tracking, and follow-up activities. The program has established 171 notified learning and assessment centres across Meghalaya to support learning and assessment. Free self-study materials have been developed and distributed in subjects such as Khasi, Garo, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, and Health.

Candidate Demographics and Motivation

Among the registered candidates, the oldest is 59-year-old Sylvester Shadap from Thadrang Umngem village in Ri Bhoi district. Shadap, who left school in 1989, approximately 37 years ago, expressed his motivation to encourage younger generations and other dropouts. “I dropped out of school in 1989, so it has been approximately 37 years since then. Honestly, I knew within myself that coming back for further studies was over. But my goal is to encourage the children of this generation, my own household, and also those children who have dropped out and left their education,” Shadap stated. He added, “Returning for the SSLC examination is to set an example for all the adolescents, starting from my own family. We understand that adolescents are the future of the State and this generation. This is what encouraged me personally to return to this examination.”

Data indicates that 15 candidates are in the age group of 50-59 years. Ri Bhoi district alone accounts for 690 registered candidates, with the Mawlasnai centre having 185 learners. Macdonald Marbaniang, Director of the Shillong Regional Office of MBOSE, commented on the program’s success. “The response to the Private SSLC pathway shows that many learners who had to leave school still want an opportunity to complete their education. We aim to make that opportunity accessible and give them a clear, recognised pathway to the SSLC examination. We hope these learners will use this opportunity to continue their education and take the next step towards their future.”

Future Prospects for Learners

The Second Chance Learning Program aims to connect successful SSLC candidates with further educational and professional development opportunities. This includes pathways to higher secondary education, vocational training, skills development, and various livelihood opportunities, based on what officials. The initiative seeks to provide a detailed approach beyond just Class X completion.

This forward-looking strategy aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes flexible learning, inclusion, re-entry into education, and lifelong learning. Macdonald Marbaniang, Director of the Shillong Regional Office of MBOSE, expressed hope that learners will use this opportunity to continue their education and advance their future prospects.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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