Dr. Mahashram Sharma, Chairman of the National Examination Board, emphasized the necessity of thorough research before considering the elimination of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). He asserted that abolishing SEE without proper investigation is not a viable option.
Speaking during discussions on the School Education Bill with pertinent authorities, Chairman Sharma urged Members of Parliament to reflect on the historical significance of the School Leaving Certificate (SLC). These deliberations were part of a comprehensive dialogue on education, health, and information technology organized by the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee.
Drawing examples from neighboring countries such as India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and China, Chairman Sharma underscored the successful implementation of two-phase primary and secondary level examinations by national boards. He emphasized the stability and quality of the SLC examination since its inception in 1990, citing its enduring historical importance.
Chairman Sharma articulated, "While class 10 examinations are crucial, conducting them at the national level may not be the optimal solution." He added, "After completing class 8, students often face challenges when appearing for the class 12 examination, which is conducted only once by the board."
In reference to the current academic landscape, he pointed out, "Although many students pass in class 11, approximately half of them encounter failure in class 12." He continued, "A critical review of the evaluation system for class 11 is imperative. Omitting the class 10 examination leads to an escalation in the number of student failures, prompting some to seek education abroad."
Chairman Sharma concluded by emphasizing that while Nepal may not match the educational standards of advanced nations like Finland, significant efforts are required to reach that level of excellence.
