The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, Dharamshala came into existence in 1969 as per Himachal Pradesh Act No. 14 of 1968 with its head-quarter at Shimla later shifted to Dharamshala in January 1983. The Board started with a staff of 34 officials which has subsequently increased to 643. The Education Board prescribes syllabus, courses of instruction and textbooks for school education in Himachal Pradesh besides conducting examinations based on the courses listed. At present, the Board conducts examinations for the following classes and courses: 10th, 10+2, J.B.T and T.T.C.
As many as 5 Lakh candidates annually appear in the examination conducted by the Board. Presently more than 8000 schools are affiliated with the Board. The Board has set up 1846 Examination centres throughout the state. Board also publishes textbooks for classes 1st to 12th. Apart from a Liaison Office at Shimla, the Board has also established 26 Book Distribution & Guidance/Information Centres in the state to cater to the needs of students.