SSC exams begin

: Total students 1,857,344
: Male 930,305
: Female 927,039
: Edu Instts 30,666
: Centres 3,885

The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for 2026 began across Bangladesh on Tuesday, drawing more than 1.85 million candidates in what marks the first public examination for an entire cohort shaped by pandemic-era disruptions.

According to the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, a total of 1,857,344 students from 11 education boards are sitting for this year’s exams—around 79,000 fewer than last year. Of them, 930,305 are male and 927,039 female, reflecting a near gender parity in participation.

Examinations began at 10 a.m., with candidates required to enter centres by 8:30 a.m. in an effort to reduce congestion and maintain order. Authorities said all existing guidelines governing entry and conduct inside examination halls remain in force.

Students under the nine general education boards appeared for Bangla (Compulsory) First Paper on the opening day, while madrasa board candidates sat for Quran Majid and Tajweed, and those under the technical board took Bangla Second Paper.

More than 1.41 million candidates are participating under the general education boards alone, with the Dhaka Education Board accounting for the highest number—366,650 examinees. Other boards include Rajshahi, Cumilla, Jashore, Chattogram, Barishal, Sylhet, Dinajpur and Mymensingh, each contributing tens of thousands of candidates to the nationwide exercise.

Under the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board, 304,286 students are taking part, while 134,660 candidates are appearing under the Bangladesh Technical Education Board.

In total, students from 30,666 educational institutions are sitting for the exams at 3,885 centres across the country.

This year’s examinees are unique in that they did not sit for either the Primary School Certificate (PSC) or Junior School Certificate (JSC) examinations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making the SSC their first experience of a nationwide standardized test.

Authorities have introduced a range of new measures aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent process. For the first time, CCTV cameras have been installed at every examination centre, alongside enhanced monitoring systems and digital tracking of question paper transportation.

Officials said multiple coordination meetings were held in the run-up to the examinations, with strict guidelines issued to centre authorities to strengthen accountability and prevent malpractice.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said the government is committed to maintaining discipline and transparency throughout the examination period. He emphasized that the tighter controls are intended to ensure accountability among teachers and administrators rather than to place additional pressure on students.

He also confirmed that the provision for so-called “silent expulsion” has been scrapped following the repeal of Article 29 of the 1961 policy, signaling a shift toward more transparent disciplinary procedures.

Professor Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir, chairman of the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee, said all preparations had been completed to ensure the examinations proceed smoothly. He urged officials across all boards to carry out their duties responsibly to uphold the integrity of the process.

With heightened surveillance and logistical oversight in place, authorities expressed confidence that this year’s SSC examinations will be conducted in a peaceful and orderly environment, even as students navigate the pressures of their first major public test.