Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations of 2017 began across the country at 10am on Sunday.A total of 11,83,686 examinees from 8,864 educational institutions are taking part in the examinations. Of the total candidates, 6,35,697 are male and 5,47,989 female.The theoretical examinations will continue till May 15, while practical examinations will be held from May 16-25, education ministry sources said. Earlier, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid at a press briefing said examinations of 50 papers on 26 subjects will be held under creative question method this year.Additional 20 minutes time will be given to students with disabilities in the HSC and equivalent examinations to encourage them for continuing their studies. Extra 30 minutes will be given to the students with special needs, including autism.A total of 12,18,628 examinees appeared in the HSC and equivalent examinations last year.Source: BSS