The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations under 11 education boards began across the country, marked by a mix of smooth operations and sporadic incidents.
This year witnesses a decrease in the number of candidates compared to the previous year. The total number of candidates stands at 20,024,192, reflecting a decline of 47,971 candidates from the preceding year's figure of 20,072,163. Notably, this reduction comprises 28,319 fewer male students and 19,652 fewer female students.
Furthermore, the ongoing examination is being conducted across 3,700 centers housed within 29,735 educational institutions. This represents a reduction of 180 examination centers and 63 participating educational institutions compared to the
previous year.
To ensure the integrity of the examination process, the question paper's set code is disclosed 25 minutes prior
to the commencement of the exam, in adherence to the board's directives aimed at preventing question paper leaks. Stringent protocols are observed during the opening of question paper packets, with signatures from the Central Secretary, Tag Officer, and Police Officer.
In Sherpur, at the Sherpur Model Girls Institute Center, an allegation has surfaced against the center superintendent for delaying the SSC exam's start by thirty minutes. This delay prompted protests from both parents and students, who demanded justice for the disruption caused.
In a separate incident on the first day of exams, 49 candidates at room 201 of the Sherpur Model Girls Institute Center reported that the Bengali exam commenced thirty minutes later than scheduled, with question papers arriving late. Despite assurances from teachers Nazir Ahmed and Shahadat Hossain to compensate for lost time, they abruptly concluded the exam at 1 p.m., leaving students unable to complete their papers. Outraged parents demanded action against the responsible teachers and called for a re-examination for affected students. Additional police presence was subsequently deployed to ensure security at the center.
Meanwhile, in Kaukhali, Pirojpur, a student named Mahmud Naim was expelled from the SSC (vocational) examination at the Jaykul Technical School and College center for cheating. Naim, a student at Keundia Secondary School's vocational section, faced disciplinary action for his misconduct.
In a regrettable turn of events, Habiganj student Yasin Ahmed Rafi missed his SSC examination after arriving late at the center. Despite the scheduled 10 a.m. start time, Rafi's tardiness at 12:08 p.m. led to his denial of entry, adhering strictly to examination rules. The incident occurred during the Bengali first paper exam at Shaistaganj Girls High School Center, Shaistaganj upazila.
In Dinajpur Education Board, a decline in SSC candidates was noted despite an increase in participating schools compared to the previous year. A total of 199,436 candidates are enrolled in this year's SSC examination, with stringent measures in place to prevent question paper leaks. The question code, crucial for accessing exam materials, will be provided prior to the start of each examination session, ensuring the integrity of the process.
Additionally, the Additional Commissioner of Traffic Police urged SSC examinees in Dhaka to navigate smoothly to their designated centers. Munibur Rahman announced the deployment of 32 quick response teams across 122 centers in the capital to provide necessary assistance to candidates, prioritizing their timely arrival.
As SSC examinations proceed nationwide, authorities remain vigilant against irregularities, ensuring a fair and secure testing environment for all students.