405/2026-2027 

Aizawl, 1st October 2026: The closing ceremony of the 45th State Level Students’ Science Seminar and the launch of the SAfES Portal, organized by SCERT Mizoram, was held this afternoon at the SCERT Auditorium in Aizawl, graced by School Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana. The theme for this year's seminar was "Indian Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges."

Chief Guest Dr. Vanlalthlana urged the participating students to cultivate a "Scientific Temper"—a keen mindset aimed at discovering the fundamental truth through science. He noted that to become successful students, it is essential to cultivate a habit of reading to uncover factual reality rather than relying on mere speculation. He also expressed hope that the 45th State Level Students’ Science Seminar organized by SCERT would further stimulate students' curiosity and eagerness to learn science.

Upon inaugurating the Standardized Assessment for Elementary Schools (SAfES) Portal, the Education Minister stated that this portal would serve as a vital tool to facilitate balanced and holistic academic progress for students across Mizoram. Commending the officials and staff of SCERT for developing a secure and transparent portal to assess academic standards across various schools, he expressed optimism that this initiative would elevate Mizoram’s ranking in the national Performance Grading Index (PGI).

The event was chaired by Pi Caroline Zoramthangi, Director of SCERT. Pu F. Lalliansanga, Deputy Director of SCERT, presented a report on the Science Seminar, while Pu PC Lalrintluanga, Science Consultant, delivered a report on the SAfES Portal. Feedback on the evaluation criteria and words of encouragement for the students were shared by one of the judges, followed by a vote of thanks from Pi Zoramthangi Ralte, Joint Director.

The judges for the State Level Students’ Science Seminar were:

Dr. PC Lalngilneia, Senior Scientific Officer, MISTIC, Department of Science & Technology

Dr. K. Vanlaldinpuia, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Pachhunga University College

Pu PC Lalrintluanga, Science Consultant, SCERT

The Science Promotion Wing of SCERT actively works to advance and foster science education through initiatives such as Science Exhibitions, Science Drama Competitions, Incentive Cash Awards, training programs, and the distribution of laboratory equipment. The State Level Students’ Science Seminar has been conducted annually at both District and State levels since 1979.

First-place winners from the District Level Science Seminars conducted across nine districts in Mizoram represented their respective districts at this event. The first-place winner at the state level will represent Mizoram at the National Science Seminar to be held at the National Science Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on October 30, 2026.

The top three position holders in today's State Level Students’ Science Seminar are:

1st Position: TBC Vanlalzawmi, Marian High School, Serchhip

2nd Position: Thelma Z. Nghoneiza, Maraland Academy, Siaha

3rd Position: Rinchungnungi, Govt. GM High School, Champhai

During the program, School Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana also officially launched the "SAfES Portal." The Standardized Assessment for Elementary Schools (SAfES) is a major initiative spearheaded by Dr. Vanlalthlana to improve elementary education in Mizoram, implemented by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Mizoram. This assessment covers Government Schools, Deficit Schools, and Grant-in-Aid (GIA) schools, designed in alignment with the frameworks laid down by NEP 2020 and NCF-SE.

SAfES was previously conducted for Class V and Class VIII during the 2025–26 academic year. To overcome earlier logistical challenges, the Directorate of SCERT developed this new web portal. Through this platform, collecting, verifying, and monitoring student assessment data will become more seamless. Additionally, official notices and announcements concerning SAfES can now be disseminated directly to schools via the portal.

SAfES 2027 will be implemented across three critical stages of elementary education—Classes IV, V, and VIII—and will be administered using common question papers during the Third Term Examination