DHAKA, Nov 18, 2021 (BSS) - Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni today said the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will begin on December 2 next maintaining health safety guidelines.

     "About 13,99,690 examinees - 33,901 more than the last year - will sit for the exams under 11 educational boards," she told a press briefing at the Secretariat here.

     The education minister said although the HSC and equivalent examinations are usually held in April each year, the tests could not be arranged in time this year too due to coronavirus pandemic.

     She said the examinees of 9,183 institutions will sit in 2,621 centres.

     Dipu Moni hoped that the examinations would be held in a congenial atmosphere across the country. She also sought cooperation from guardians, students and teachers to this end.

     Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury Nawfel and senior officials of the ministry were present at the press conference.

     Due to the pandemic, this year's HSC examinations will be held only on group-wise selective subjects with shortened syllabuses.