The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations-2025 will begin simultaneously across the country today (Thursday), with the Bangla First Paper kicking off the written tests at 10:00 AM.
A total of 12,51,111 examinees will appear in the public examination this year across the country, according to official data.
Among the candidates from 11 education boards, 618,015 are male and 633,096 are female. There are 10,55,398 candidates under the General Education Board.
Besides, 86,102 will take part in the examination under the Madrasa Education Board (Alim), and 109,611 under the Technical Education Board.
Compared to last year, the number of examinees has dropped by 81,882. In 2024, a total of 13,32,993 students took part in the exams.
This year, the total number of examination centres across the country is 2,797.
A total of 293 candidates will take part in the examination at 8 centres outside the country. The number of total education institutions is 9,314.
The written exams will continue until 10 August, followed by practical examinations.
The Ministry of Education has announced that stringent measures have been taken once again this year to ensure the examinations are fair, safe, and free from malpractice.
To prevent rumours of question leaks, ensure security, and protect candidates from misinformation, all coaching centres across the country will remain closed until 15 August. Legal action will be taken against anyone who disobeys the instructions and keeps coaching centres open.
The directive was issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division on Tuesday (24 June).
The use of any type of electronic device, including mobile phones, by teachers, students, and employees within 200 yards of the examination centres has been completely prohibited.
Recently, a meeting was held with Education Adviser Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar in the chair in this regard.
Several important decisions were taken to conduct the examination in a fair and cheating-free atmosphere.
Candidates must enter the centre at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam. If anyone enters the centre after the scheduled time, their name, roll number, time of entry, and reason for delay must be recorded in the register, and the concerned board must be informed.
If the exam starts late at any centre due to natural disasters or other unavoidable reasons, instructions have been given to provide additional time to the candidates by calculating the delayed time.
Strict legal action against those involved in spreading rumours about question leaks and supplying copies.
During the examination, law enforcement agencies will perform their duties for holding the HSC examination peacefully.
The Ministry of Education hopes that the 2025 HSC and equivalent exams will be conducted peacefully and smoothly with the all-out efforts of the government, coordination of relevant agencies, and cooperation of parents and students.
The aspect of hygiene has not been neglected either. The education board has said that it is mandatory for everyone involved, including the examinees, to wear masks and use hand sanitizers when entering the centre.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Education Board has issued 33-point guidelines to maintain discipline throughout the examination process. The instructions mandate one invigilator for every 20 students and seating arrangements ensuring a minimum three-foot distance between candidates. Question papers must be checked and sealed in envelopes at least three days prior to the exam, and on the exam day, only the designated set should be opened with unused sets returned. The presence of the police and designated officers from the local police station (tag officers) must be ensured when transporting the question papers.
To ensure security at the examination centres, crowd control outside the centres, public announcements through loudspeakers if needed, installation of CCTV cameras, and display of anti-cheating posters at every centre have been made mandatory. Only analogue clocks with hands will be allowed during the examination period. Furthermore, considering the monsoon season, local electricity offices have been asked to take necessary precautions in advance to prevent power outages.
Chairman of the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee and Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, Professor Dr Khandokar Ehsanul Kabir, has warned of stern action against those spreading rumours or confusion regarding question paper leaks on social media.
“We have completed all preparations to conduct the 2025 HSC and equivalent examinations in a fair, disciplined, and cheating-free manner,” he said.
“All possible avenues for question leaks have been sealed off. A robust surveillance system has been implemented in coordination with government intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and IT experts.”
Dr Kabir emphasised that any rumours about question leaks would be treated as entirely baseless and intentionally misleading.
“We do not entertain such claims. Anyone attempting to spread confusion online will face strict legal consequences,” he added.
Urging students to concentrate on their textbooks rather than chasing rumours or so-called leaked questions, Dr Kabir also called on the public to avoid crowding around examination centres.
“Examinees have been instructed to arrive on time and follow health guidelines. Parents are also requested to cooperate by refraining from gathering near the centres.”
Meanwhile, Professor SM Kamal Uddin Haider, Controller of Examinations at the Dhaka Education Board, confirmed that all preparations are complete.
“Due to an issue with a question under the Rajshahi Board, it has been cancelled. However, we have a reserve set of question papers ready. The examination will proceed without disruption,” he assured.
