Over 4.38 lakh students sit for HSLC exams as SEBA rolls out tight security across Assam

As many as 4,38,565 candidates are appearing in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination across Assam this year, with 1,046 examination centres operational statewide. 

Authorities have urged all stakeholders to strictly follow prescribed rules and regulations to ensure the smooth, fair and malpractice-free conduct of the examinations.

The HSLC examination, conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), commenced across the state on February 10, marking a crucial academic milestone for lakhs of students aspiring to move on to higher secondary education.

In Dhubri district, 26,932 candidates appeared at 47 designated centres amid heightened security and close administrative monitoring. The examinations began with the Assamese paper, with students arriving at centres as early as 8 am, while parents and guardians gathered outside in large numbers, underscoring the importance of the day.

To maintain examination integrity, the district administration imposed a complete ban on mobile phones, smartwatches and other electronic devices inside examination halls. Most centres are under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, and prohibitory orders have been enforced around examination venues to prevent unauthorised gatherings. Flying squads and special observers appointed by SEBA have been deployed across centres ranging from urban Dhubri to rural pockets such as Bilasipara and Chapar.

Officials said Dhubri remains one of the high-enrolment districts in Assam, with the large turnout highlighting the HSLC examination’s role as a key gateway to higher secondary education. The district administration has appealed to parents and the public to maintain a calm and quiet atmosphere around examination centres to help students concentrate. The HSLC theory examinations are scheduled to conclude on February 27, 2026.

Meanwhile, similar scenes were witnessed in Bokakhat subdivision, where the HSLC examination also began on Monday. From early morning, Bokakhat Higher Secondary School saw a heavy turnout of students and parents. An atmosphere of excitement and anticipation prevailed as 1,037 students from 27 schools under the Bokakhat subdivision appeared for the examination at the centre.

In Sonitpur district, the number of girl candidates appearing for the HSLC examination is higher than that of boys. A total of 13,537 candidates will appear at 33 examination centres across the district, including 5,799 boys and 7,738 girls.