HSC, equivalent exams begin

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations of 2024 began on Sunday with participation of 14,50,790 examinees from 9,463 educational institutions across the country.

The 1st day’s Bangla first paper examination began at 10am.

The written examinations will continue until August 11 while the practical examinations will be held between August 12 and 21.

A total of 11,28,281 candidates are participating in the examinations from eight general education boards while 88,076 under the Madrasa Education Board and 2,34,433 from the Technical Education Board.

Of them, 7,50,281 are male and 7,00,509 female students.

Compared to last year, the total number of examinees in 2024 has increased by 91, 448 while total institutions increased by 294.

The Ministry of Education has issued several guidelines ahead of the HSC examinations.

Candidates must enter exam centers at least 30 minutes before the beginning of the exam and those who will enter late should write their reasons in a register and report to the board on the same day.

The question paper set code will be sent via SMS 25 minutes before starting the exams.

Only authorized personnel can carry mobile phones/electronic devices into the center but their phones should not have camera feature.

Only people concerned who are directly involved with the examination such as examinees, invigilators, ministry and board inspection teams and security personnel can enter the exam centre.

Special arrangements have been made for specially-abled candidates.

Visually impaired examinees, those with cerebral palsy, and candidates without hands may have a scribe assist with them during the exam, with an additional 20 minutes.

Candidates with autism, down syndrome, or cerebral palsy may receive support from teachers, parents, or helpers.

Extra 30 minutes may be given in such cases.