SSC, equivalent exams set to begin on Feb 1

The Secondary School Certificate and equivalent examinations of 2016 will begin on Feb 1.

The education ministry announced the schedule on Sunday.
 
For the first time, students will have to answer the multiple choice question (MCQ) part first, followed by the creative or written part, in next year's public tests.

Until now, students had answered the MCQs after the creative or written part.

But the new move has been made after several teachers were found guilty of providing students with answers to the MCQs during the tests, education ministry officials said.

The ministry's investigation also found that MCQ papers were sent outside the exam centres to provide examinees with answers through mobile phones.

Also for the first time, there will be a 10-minute break between the MCQ and creative or written parts.

According to the schedule, the exam will commence on Feb 1 with the theoretical part running through to Mar 8.

The practical tests will be held from Mar 9 to 14.

Students will be allowed to use normal calculators during the tests. No person other than the secretary of the exam centre will be allowed to carry mobile phones.