NBSE Chairman reveals 61 schools in 14 districts offer the Science stream as Pilgrim Higher Secondary School opens its lab

DIMAPUR — Nagaland is currently offering the Science stream in 61 schools across 14 districts, comprising 20 government and 41 private schools, while three districts, Shamator, Longleng, and Noklak, are yet to offer the stream at the higher secondary level, Chairman of the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) Rangumbuing Nsarangbe said on Wednesday.
Speaking during the virtual inauguration of the new Science laboratory block and conference hall at Pilgrim Higher Secondary School, Kuda 'B', Dimapur, Nsarangbe noted that the absence of the stream in Shamator, Longleng, and Noklak leaves students in those districts with limited access to science education.
He affirmed that the NBSE is committed to promoting science and technology education across the state and urged students to make full use of the newly established laboratories to explore, experiment, and develop practical skills.
Highlighting the board's initiatives to promote science, Nsarangbe announced that a Science Olympiad will be organised next year in collaboration with Shikhar Academy, Mumbai.
Touching upon other educational measures under the National Education Policy, he stated that the NBSE is implementing the Holistic Progress Card to integrate assessment into the teaching process.
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He also highlighted the Integrated Test Management portal being developed with a firm from Hyderabad to assist teachers in preparing competency-based questions, as well as the School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework, which will evaluate schools across various parameters and make the findings accessible to the public.
The NBSE chairman urged teachers to keep abreast of scientific developments and upgrade students' knowledge and skills to help build a stronger education ecosystem in Nagaland.
Principal of Pilgrim Higher Secondary Kaini Khekho Kikon described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the institution, adding that the school's expansion has been driven by vision, commitment, and sustained support from parents and the community.
Kikon stated that approximately 80% of the installation work has been completed and that the ceremony was arranged to align with the NBSE Chairman’s schedule while he was in Dimapur for another programme. She added that the remaining work would be completed shortly.
Recounting the institution’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kikon stated that not a single class or period was cancelled when teaching shifted online, crediting the dedication of teachers and the cooperation of parents.