DHAKA, June 29, 2024 (BSS) – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations of 2024 will begin across the country tomorrow.

A total of 14, 50,790 examinees from 9,463 educational institutions under 11 education boards - nine general education boards, one madrasah and one technical education board - will take part at 2, 725 centers in the examinations.

Of the total candidates, 7, 50,281 are male while 7, 00,509 female.

The exam will commence with Bangla 1st paper while the written examinations will continue till August 11.

The practical examinations will be held between August 12 and August 21.

A total of 11, 28,281 examinees of 4,870 general educational institutions under nine general education boards will appear in the examinations at 1,566 centers this year. Of the total candidates, 5, 33,680 are male while 5, 94,601 female.

Some 88,076 students of 2,685 educational institutions will appear in the Alim examinations from madrasah board at 452 centers.

As many as 2, 34, 433 candidates from 1,908 educational institutions will participate in HSC (BM/BMT) HSC (Vocational) /Diploma in Commerce (Technical) Board examination at 707 centers this year.

Compared to last year, the total number of examinees in 2024 has increased by 91, 448 while total institutions and centers increased by 294 and 67 respectively.

Aiming to ensure a fair examination environment free from question paper-leakage, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has ordered the authorities concerned to close all coaching centres from June 29 (today) to August 11.

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

Candidates must enter exam centers at least 30 minutes before beginning of the exam and those who will enter late should write 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 centre 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 candidates, 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.