Two options have been given to the students for compulsory learning of the Assamese language by the Board of Secondary Education Assam (SEBA).

In order to make Assamese learning compulsory for school students under SEBA, the decision has been taken under the provision of the Assamese Language Learning Act 2020.

For compulsory learning of the Assamese language, two options have been given go the students for school that belong from areas other than the 6th Scheduled areas, Barak Valley and Bodo medium schools of other areas as per the guidelines.

This rule is not made compulsory in the 6th Scheduled areas, Barak Valley and Bodo medium schools. Instead option will be given to choose Assamese as an elective subject, and obtain a proficiency certificate as an incentive.

The rules will imply from the year 2021 for class IX registration. As per the first option, any student not opting for Assamese as MIL, can choose Assamese (E) as ‘elective subject’. For such candidates the total number of subjects will be six, in such case.

Currently there are 31 elective subjects and 11 MIL subjects under the Board. Assamese (Elective) can be choosed as one additional subject for the students who neither opts for Assamese as MIL nor takes Assamese (Elective) as an ‘elective subject’. Instead of six papers such students will have to appear for seven papers. The additional paper would contain 100 marks.

The marks secured in the additional seventh paper will be shown separately in the marksheet and  it will not be counted for merit purposes, according to a Board notification.

In order to qualify in the HSLC examination the students will need to appear in the Assamese (Elective) examination.

Students selecting MIL subject other than Assamese in schools belonging to the 6th Schedule Areas and Barak Valley and the Bodo medium schools will be given the option of selecting the additional seventh paper of Assamese (E) which will not be mandatory for them.