ABRSM expands music examination centres across Nagaland

The internationally acclaimed Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations were recently conducted across multiple centres in Nagaland, marking a significant milestone in the state’s growing music education landscape. For the first time, Mokokchung and Wokha hosted the prestigious graded music exams, joining Kohima, where the examinations have been successfully conducted in previous years.
ABRSM, the world’s largest music examination board, conducts over 650,000 music exams and assessments annually across 93 countries. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the board is a registered charity and one of five examination authorities accredited by Ofqual to award graded and diploma qualifications in music under the UK’s National Qualifications Framework. In Nagaland, the exams were coordinated through local music institutions. In Kohima, the Glissando Music Centre led by Khriezenuo Suokhrie served as the coordinating centre; in Wokha, Mharhomo Kithan of Kithan’s Music Studio coordinated the event held at Hammock Resort; and in Mokokchung, the Nurturing Talents Studio under Sentijungla Longchar facilitated the examinations.
A total of 26 candidates from various music schools and tutorial classes across Mokokchung participated in this year’s session. The students were evaluated by visiting examiner Geoffrey Harniess, a distinguished musician and educator from the United Kingdom.
Speaking on the successful completion of the exams, Mhathung Odyuo, ABRSM Representative for Nagaland, expressed satisfaction over the growing participation and enthusiasm among students. He noted that the inclusion of Mokokchung and Wokha as new examination centres reflects the steady expansion of structured music education in Nagaland, offering students greater accessibility to internationally recognized qualifications. The ABRSM examination follows a progressive grading system from Grades 1 to 8, evaluating students’ technical proficiency, musical expression, and theoretical understanding. Certificates issued by ABRSM are globally recognized, providing valuable credentials for students pursuing higher studies or professional music careers.
The next round of ABRSM exams in Nagaland is scheduled to be held in Dimapur from November 12 to 15, 2025, at the Golden Crown Theological College, with 86 students expected to participate.