The Meghalaya cabinet on Friday approved two significant education policy reforms. These include introducing community-integrated skill learning for students in classes 6 to 10 and allowing private candidates to appear for the Class 10 Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced these decisions following a cabinet meeting.
Skill-Based Learning Introduced for Classes 6-10
A new program, Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL), will become a structured part of the school curriculum. This initiative will integrate with the existing Health and Physical Education subject, which has been largely theoretical. Chief Minister Sangma stated the change aims to shift learning towards practical application.
Students will now gain hands-on skills directly from their families and local communities. They will select one or more skills based on their personal interests and their family’s or community’s background. For instance, a student whose parent works in agriculture can learn farming techniques directly from them.
Similarly, students can learn traditional skills prevalent within their community. The program requires active participation, practice, and demonstration of these acquired skills. This practical approach moves beyond textbook-based learning.
This initiative targets several key objectives. It aims to develop productive skills among young people, ensuring they are better prepared for future employment. It also seeks to preserve traditional occupations and local livelihoods, which are vital to Meghalaya’s cultural and economic fabric. Furthermore, it strengthens family involvement in education by creating a direct link between home and school learning.
Chief Minister Sangma clarified this policy does not force students into their parents’ professions. Instead, it encourages them to understand and value local livelihoods while building useful, transferable skills for their future careers.
Expanded Access for Class 10 Examinations
In another major educational reform, the cabinet approved new provisions allowing private candidates to register and appear for the SSLC examination. This exam is conducted by the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE).
This decision directly benefits individuals who could not pass the matriculation (Class 10) examination previously. It also provides a crucial pathway for students who dropped out of school after Class 8 due to various personal or financial circumstances. Chief Minister Sangma highlighted that this aims to provide a second chance for many.
The government is streamlining the admission and registration process for these private candidates. This simplification ensures that anyone who wishes to complete their Class 10 education can do so more easily. The policy addresses historical barriers to secondary education completion in the state.
Additional Cabinet Decisions
The cabinet also announced the recipients for the Meghalaya Day Awards 2026 . Dr. Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih will receive the U Tirot Sing Award for Arts and Literature. Father Benoy Joseph has been selected for the Pa Togan Sangma Award for Social Services. Riiohlang Dhar will be honored with the U Kiang Nangbah Award for Sports and Games.
Other approvals included the Meghalaya Border Areas Development Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025 . The cabinet also cleared extensions of service for Kynphambor Wahlang, Superintending Engineer; Robert Lyngdoh, retired officer on special duty; and Bruce P Marak, retired Chief Engineer. Preparations for the 2026 Republic Day celebrations, including the approval of the Republic Day speech and VIP nominations for the parade, were also finalized.