HSC, equivalent exams to begin July 2l: Education Minister

The government fixed July 2 for starting this year's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Ministry of Education today.

Education, Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon confirmed the matter to reporters after a meeting with stakeholders arranged to ensure smooth holding of the upcoming SSC, HSC and equivalent examinations-2026.

"We have decided, after discussions with all stakeholders, that the HSC examinations will begin on July 2. The full schedule will be published within the next week," he said.

The minister added that there is a plan to complete the examinations within the following five weeks.

Following this, the Dhaka Education Board has already released the list of exam centers and seat arrangements, including center codes and information on supervising officers.

According to the board's guidelines, center-in-charges have been instructed to collect necessary confidential documents and answer sheets via District Commissioners.

Additionally, a strict protocol has been established requiring OMR sheets to be dispatched to the board's computer center by 7 PM on the day of each examination to ensure a smooth and transparent evaluation process.

The meeting also took several important decisions regarding secondary and higher secondary level public examinations.

Notably, the minister directed the authorities concerned to abolish the controversial practice known as "silent expulsion" from public examinations.

"There is no place for 'silent expulsion'. Even the Public Examination Control Act of 1980 did not include such a provision. If anyone is to be punished, it must be done through a transparent process. If cheating is proven at the examination centre, action must be taken there. Quietly expelling someone at home is not legally valid," he said.

The minister also said all preparations have been completed to hold the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations, scheduled to begin on April 21, in a fair environment.

Assuring students, he said, "The strict rules are not for students, but for teachers and centre secretaries to ensure quality education and proper conduct of examinations."