Education stakeholders propose January SSC, June HSC exams

Discussions reflect push to reduce idle gaps between school completion and exams

Students, parents and teachers have proposed holding SSC examinations in January and HSC and equivalent exams in June, rejecting the education minister’s suggestion of conducting both exams in December.

The proposal was placed at a meeting of stakeholders held at the Secondary and Higher Education Division on Wednesday, officials who attended the meeting said.

Prof SM Kamal Uddin Haider, controller of examinations at the Intermediate and Secondary Education Board, Dhaka, told bdnews24.com that no final decision had been taken, but the discussions were close to a preliminary consensus.

“We are moving forward based on these opinions,” Kamal, also the Inter-Education Board Examination Controllers Committee chief, said.

SSC and equivalent exams are held in April now, while HSC exams take place in July.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon spoke to reporters after the meeting, saying the government wants to decide the schedule based on opinions from students, teachers, parents, school heads and experts.

“The main discussion was about when exams should be held and how the timetable can be adjusted,” he said.

“We are considering whether SSC exams can be shifted to December in 2027 or whether full alignment will be achieved in 2028. However, any decision will prioritise ensuring that students are not harmed,” he added.

Prof Kamal said participants suggested reducing students’ idle time by rescheduling exams.

Many students, guardians and institutional heads supported holding SSC in the second week of January and HSC in the first week of June, saying it would not create problems.