SLC (School Leaving Certificate) Examination is probably the most important exam that a Nepali student can take. Not only because it’s the test of 10 years of school education or its result get published in Gorkhapatra but also because each and every Nepali gets interested in it – no matter they or their children are involved in it or not. The toppers get widespread lifelong recognition.
This year’s SLC examination began today and I as a part-time teacher of a school get involved in it making me all nostalgic of the time when I gave the exam.
I appeared in the SLC in 10 years ago – with co-founder Dinesh Wagle. We were classmate and hostelmate (well, we picked up a few heated debates). We prepared hard for the exam and did well in it. We used to be so nervous entering the examination hall, but everything went right for us. I remember I used to chat with the police guards if I finished the exam quickly.
But all that changed a few years back. After the insurgents announced ‘bandh’ on SLC days two years back, the exam became more nervous-making (not only for students but also for security). All the students are searched before they could enter the examination halls by policemen (they used dogs two years back). I don’t think they will let student roam around and chat with them if s/he finishes exam quickly. I am sure the students would be more nervous than we used to be all because of this.
But I know there is no way for security guards – we say ‘precaution is better than cure’ and that’s precaution measure they are taking. I always feel sorry for the students because they are on more pressure than we were.
And, sadly for the last few years we have been hearing about the number of students who would miss the examination due to failure of their school or institution to fill up the form. (That happens because those are not registered and are being operated illegally). Parents should be more aware of this – but for students it’s really a very, very sad incident.
Interestingly, it’s not the examination part that I loved most. It’s the result day – the day when the results get published in state-own Gorkhapatra daily. Last year, it was okay but earlier it would always be three or four hours late in the morning that they will come out of press. When our results were published, we went running to the publication early morning. We got hold of a paper and all of us – there were four – passed. That happiness encouraged all to walk a long distance despite heavy rain. We couldn’t even drink the tea because of happiness.
I wish, and request, all to make the Iron Gate pressure easier to bear. The students should be let to give examination in peaceful and free environment. And best of luck for all those appearing in SLC.
