The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations will begin across the country today.
This year, a total of 13,51,505 students — 6,87,009 girls and 6,64,496 boys — are expected to take the examinations from 9,081 institutions under eight general education, one madrasa, one technical education and one Diploma in Business Studies boards.
The examinations will be held at 2,579 centres across the country.
The number of HSC examinees is 11,38,747 while Alim examinees 88,451, HSC (BM/vocational) examinees 1,24,264 and DIBS examinees 43.
This year, a total of 275 students will sit for the examinations at eight centres abroad, according to the education ministry statistics.
Addressing a press conference on March 25, education minister Dipu Moni said, “All coaching centres across the country will remain closed from April 1 to May 6 during HSC and equivalent examinations.”
The minister warned of stern action against those who leak out question papers, saying that the law enforcement agencies will take action against the persons for their involvement in question paper leak.
She said only the secretaries of the examination centres will be allowed to use normal cell phone, not smart phone, at the centres during examinations.
As in previous examinations, all candidates will have to be seated at their respective halls 30 minutes prior to the examination. “If anyone is late, they will have to provide a valid reason for the delay,” she added.The ministry also slapped a ban on use of mobile phones and electronic devices within a 200-metre radius of examination centres.
Candidates with physical disabilities will get 20 minutes extra while candidates with autism and down syndrome will get 30 minutes extra to complete their examinations.
Besides, visually and physically impaired students and students with cerebral palsy are allowed to bring scribes at the centres.
Data reveals that the number of examinees under Dhaka Board is 3,97,622 while the number is 1,50,954 under Rajshahi Board, 95,202 under Comilla Board, 1,28,809 under Jessore Board, 99,664 under Chittagong Board, 64,919 under Barisal Board, 76,698 under Sylhet Board and 124,879 under Dinajpur Board.
The number of examinees under madrasa education board is 88,451 while the number is 1,24,264 under technical board and 43 under Dhaka DIBS.
The written tests will end on May 5. The practical examinations will begin on May 12 and end on May 21.
