HSC exams to begin Thursday, over 12.70lakh candidates participating

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations for 2026 will begin on Thursday (July 2), with more than 12.70 lakh students set to sit for the nationwide public examinations.

According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 1,270,583 candidates will take part in the examinations under the country's nine general education boards, the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board and the Bangladesh Technical Education Board. The exams will be held at 2,697 centres across the country.

Among the candidates, 1,069,714 are registered under the nine general education boards, 92,905 will appear in the Alim examinations under the Madrasah Education Board, while 107,964 students will sit for HSC (Vocational), Diploma in Commerce and BMT examinations under the Technical Education Board.

Written examinations for the general and Madrasah boards will continue until August 8, followed by practical examinations from August 10 to 15. Under the Technical Education Board, theoretical examinations for HSC (Vocational) will conclude on July 25, Diploma in Commerce on July 22, and BMT on August 1.

Education authorities said all education boards will use a uniform question paper format this year. Candidates have been instructed to enter examination centres at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Those arriving late may still be allowed to enter after officials record the reasons for the delay.

To strengthen supervision, each examination room will have at least two invigilators, with one additional invigilator assigned for every 20 candidates. Authorities have also been directed to prevent crowds outside examination centres, while public movement within a 200-yard radius of centres will remain restricted during examination hours.

In a first for the HSC examinations, CCTV cameras have been installed at all examination centres to enhance monitoring and ensure transparency. Only authorised officials, invigilators and designated observers will be allowed inside the centres during the examinations.

The ministry also said colleges may continue regular classroom teaching between examination sessions where feasible.