In a sweeping reform directed by the Union Ministry of Education, Manipur’s two main school boards — BOSEM (Board of Secondary Education, Manipur) and COHSEM (Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur) — will be unified under a single governing body.
The move is part of a broader effort to streamline administration, improve academic continuity, and modernize the education framework in line with national standards.
Alongside the merger, another key shift has been confirmed: Class 12 board exams in Manipur will adopt a grading system starting from the 2027 academic year, replacing the current mark-based evaluation.
Why This Matters
Currently, BOSEM governs Class 10 (matriculation), while COHSEM oversees Class 11 and 12. The split system often results in administrative delays, inconsistent evaluation standards, and complications during school transitions.
By unifying these under one identity, the Ministry aims to:
Reduce redundancy and bureaucracy
Ensure smoother academic progression
Implement standard assessment protocols across classes
Simplify certification and data handling for higher education and job applications
This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends consolidation and simplification of educational boards across states.
Grading System for Class 12
From 2027 onwards, Manipur’s Class 12 students will no longer be judged solely on percentage marks. The state will shift to a grading system, already in use in many CBSE and ICSE-affiliated schools. This change is aimed at:
Reducing academic pressure
Promoting holistic learning
Standardizing evaluation with national benchmarks
While Class 10 has long used a grading pattern under BOSEM, this will be the first time Class 12 will follow suit, bringing parity across secondary and higher secondary levels.
What Comes Next?
The merger process will be carried out in phases over the next year, with committees to oversee:
Regulatory adjustments
Curriculum alignment
Exam restructuring
Capacity building for teachers and evaluators
Students currently enrolled in either system will not be affected midstream. Detailed transition plans are expected to be announced by the state’s Department of Education in the coming months.
Manipur’s education sector is on the brink of transformation. Whether this leads to a more effective system will depend on how smoothly the change is implemented — and how students, teachers, and institutions adapt.