Proposal to move SSC to January, HSC to June

A proposal to reschedule Bangladesh’s public examinations by holding SSC exams in January and HSC exams in June has gained support from students, parents and education stakeholders, diverging from the education minister’s earlier suggestion of conducting both examinations in December.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting held on Wednesday (May 13) at the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, where teachers, guardians, institution heads and other stakeholders shared their opinions on reforming the academic calendar and examination schedule.

Speaking after the meeting, Dhaka Education Board Examination Controller and Inter-Education Board Examination Controllers’ Committee Convener Prof. S M Kamal Uddin Haider said no final decision had been taken yet, but the views expressed in the meeting could be considered a preliminary direction for future planning.

He said many students, parents and educational institution heads believe holding SSC and equivalent examinations in the second week of January and HSC and equivalent examinations in the first week of June would be manageable and effective without disrupting academic activities.

Later, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan told reporters that the government wants to take a decision based on consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including students, teachers, guardians and education experts.

The minister said authorities are still evaluating whether the revised examination schedule could be fully implemented by 2027 or if a complete transition would require until 2028. He added that ensuring students do not suffer academically remains the government’s top priority before any final decision is made.

Currently, SSC and equivalent examinations are usually held in April, while HSC and equivalent exams take place in July.