Staff Reporter: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams kicked off today with the Bangla First Paper at 10am. Over 1.25 million students from 11 education boards across the country are sitting for the exams.
The written exams under general and madrasah boards will continue until Aug 10, while practical exams are scheduled from Aug 11 to 28. Under the Technical Board, theoretical exams will end on Jul 17, with practical exams slated from Jul 18 to 24. The number of examinees under the general education boards totals 1,055,398 students from 4,808 institutions. The madrasah board has 86,102 candidates, while 109,611 students are taking vocational and diploma-in-commerce exams under the technical board. Of the candidates taking the exams, 618,015 are boys and 633,096 are girls. The total number of candidates sitting for the HSC and equivalent examinations is 81,882 fewer than last year.
In light of increasing dengue infections and lingering COVID-19 risks, the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has issued a set of health and safety instructions. Masks have been made mandatory for entry to exam centres, and hand sanitiser must be available at all entrances.Local administrations have been instructed to spray mosquito repellents in and around centres prior to exams. Seating arrangements must ensure at least three feet of distance between candidates, and all centres are required to keep medical teams on standby. Authorities have also discouraged gatherings of guardians near centres to maintain safety protocols.
To ensure fair conduct, the education ministry has ordered all coaching centres shut from Jun 20 to Aug 15. The use of mobile phones and electronic devices within 200 yards of exam venues is strictly prohibited for teachers, students and staff. A recent government meeting, chaired by Education Advisor CR Abrar, also authorised legal action against those spreading rumours or leaking exam questions.
Law-enforcing agencies, including the Army if necessary, will be deployed to ensure a smooth and secure examination process. Students are required to enter centres at least 30 minutes before exams begin. Late arrivals must be recorded, with reasons noted. If exams are delayed due to natural causes, lost time will be compensated. Educational institutions serving as exam centres will remain closed on exam days but may resume classes on off days during the exam period.
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