HSLC Exam Begins Late in Assam's Sipajhar After Question Paper Delay

GUWAHATI: A case of gross negligence was reported at an examination centre in Sipajhar, Darrang district of Assam, after HSLC question papers failed to arrive on time. The incident took place at the Garukhuti Higher Secondary School examination centre, where question papers had not arrived even till the scheduled time of the examination.

According to sources, students arrived at the examination centre as per the scheduled time; however, the question papers arrived 1 hour and 10 minutes late, resulting in a delayed start of the examination. The delay caused confusion and anxiety among the candidates, while teachers and invigilators struggled to manage the situation inside the centre.

Following the incident, the school authorities rushed to the Sipajhar Police Station in search of the sealed bundle containing the question papers. Parents and guardians, who had gathered outside the police station, expressed concern over the uncertainty and demanded clarity from the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) officials.

They stated,

“We arrived at the centre at 7:30 am, but even by 9 am the question papers had not reached the examination centre. Students have come from far-off areas without eating anything, hoping to appear for the exam. However, the examination has still not started as the question papers are yet to arrive. We strongly condemn this irresponsibility on the part of the education department.”

Another person stated, “I personally went to the Sipajhar Police Station, where school teachers and parents were seen waiting outside, but no official from the ASSEB authorities was able to provide the question papers. This is extremely unfortunate. Despite having a Chief Minister and an Education Minister in Assam, such incidents continue to occur. It is even more disappointing that a person who retired nearly ten years ago is still serving as the chairman of ASSEB. Similar problems occur every year, yet no permanent solution has been found.”

Officials are yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the reason behind the delay.

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