Assam to Scrap Ranking System in School Exams; Debate Sparks as Education Minister Defends Decision

During the fourth day of the Budget Session in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu announced on Thursday that the ranking system in the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) Examination and Higher Secondary (HS) Examination will be eliminated from the upcoming academic year. Minister Pegu justified the decision by stating that the ranking system is deemed unnecessary since possessing a certificate of rank does not guarantee job opportunities.

However, the move sparked a debate, with Congress MLA Jakir Hussain expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on students’ morale. Hussain argued that the ranking system holds emotional significance among the Assamese people and should not be removed, asserting that such a decision would weaken students’ morale. He further criticized the BJP government, labeling it as a “government of arbitrariness.”