IMPHAL, Feb 22: Atleast 36,725 students will appear for the High School Leaving Certificate examination 2026 on Monday at across 161 centres, including 61 centres in the hill districts and 100 in the valley districts, officials said.

Of the total candidates, 18,375 are male and 18,350 are female students.

19,046 candidates are appearing the examination from the hill districts while 17,679 will be appearing from the valley districts. 392 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are also giving the examinations.

8,191 candidates are from government schools while 1,498 from aided schools, and 27,036 from private schools.

To ensure smooth and fair conduct of the examination, 10 nodal officers have been appointed and a total of 36 inspection teams will be deployed in the valley districts. 36 teams will also be deployed in the hill districts. Additionally, 12 special teams have been constituted to monitor the examination process.

A control room has also been opened to oversee coordination and address any issues during the examination period.

As part of precautionary measures, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been promulgated in and around examination centres to maintain law and order.

(By Our Correspondent)