HSC, equivalent exams begin today
More than 1.27 million students sit HSC and equivalent examinations across Bangladesh
ATT Correspondent 
The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Dakhil and equivalent examinations for 2026 have commenced across Bangladesh today (Thursday), with more than 1.27 million students sitting the public examinations under 11 education boards.
According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 1,270,583 candidates are taking part in the examinations at 2,697 centres across 9,439 educational institutions nationwide.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Secondary and Higher Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque said the nine general education boards would conduct the HSC examinations using a single, uniform set of question papers to ensure consistency.
Of the total examinees, 648,614 are female and 621,969 are male, with female candidates outnumbering their male counterparts by 26,645, reflecting the continued growth of girls’ participation in higher secondary education.
The nine general education boards account for 1,069,714 candidates, while 92,905 students are appearing under the Madrasah Education Board and 107,964 under the Technical Education Board.
Among the education boards, Dhaka has the largest number of candidates at 300,393, while Barishal has the fewest with 58,694 examinees.
The examinations will be held over 21 days, covering 77 subjects. Educational institutions will continue regular academic activities on days when examinations are not scheduled.
The authorities concern have introduced enhanced security measures to ensure the examinations are conducted fairly and without malpractice. CCTV cameras have been installed at every examination centre, while a central monitoring cell at the Ministry of Education will oversee activities nationwide in real time.
Candidates have been instructed to enter their examination centres by 8:30am to help minimise traffic congestion and ensure the timely start of examinations.
The government has also strengthened efforts to prevent question paper leaks and examination fraud. Centres previously identified as vulnerable to malpractice have been relocated or cancelled, although some venues in remote haor, hill and char areas will remain operational under reinforced security arrangements.
Officials warned that anyone involved in circulating fake question papers or attempting to leak examination materials through social media would face legal action under the amended Public Examinations (Offences) Act, 1980.
