The 2025 SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent exams began across Bangladesh on Thursday, with over 27,000 candidates absent on the first day, and 22 expelled for misconduct.
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Dakhil, and equivalent public examinations for 2025 kicked off nationwide on Thursday, held from 10 AM to 1 PM in a relatively peaceful atmosphere. Despite smooth proceedings, a total of 26,928 students were absent on the first day, according to the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee. Additionally, 22 students were expelled for adopting unfair means.
This year’s absentee rate stands at 1.56%, a notable increase from 19,359 absentees recorded on the first day last year. The Madrasah Education Board reported the highest absentee rate at 3.67%.
Education Ministry Advisor Dr. CR Abrar visited several exam centers in Dhaka, including Motijheel Government Boys’ High School, Dhanmondi Government Boys’ School, and Mohammadpur Qaderia Tayyebia Alia Kamil Madrasah. He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful exam environment and urged all to avoid spreading exam-related rumors on social media, which he said increases mental stress for students and guardians. He also assured that the government’s vigilance has so far prevented question leaks.
According to official data, 1,928,181 candidates from 30,043 institutions are sitting for the exams at 3,715 centers nationwide. Among them, 1,334,630 students were scheduled to appear for the SSC Bangla First Paper exam under nine general education boards, held at 2,282 centers. Of these, 1,319,892 appeared, while 14,738 were absent.
In terms of expulsions, 2 students were expelled under the Dhaka Board, and 1 each under the Comilla, Jessore, Sylhet, and Barisal Boards. Mymensingh Board saw 3 expulsions, while 10 students were expelled under the Madrasa Board and 2 under the Technical Board.
Board-wise absentee figures for the Bangla First Paper exam were as follows:
- Dhaka: 3,496
- Chattogram: 1,173
- Rajshahi: 1,622
- Barishal: 1,033
- Sylhet: 878
- Dinajpur: 1,341
- Comilla: 2,553
- Mymensingh: 842
- Jessore: 1,800
In the Dakhil Quran Majid and Tajweed exam, 9,623 students were absent, and 10 students were expelled. The exam was held across 725 centers, with 261,912 candidates scheduled, but only 252,289 attended.
Under the Technical Education Board, the SSC and Dakhil Vocational Bangla-2 exam was held at 699 centers. 2,567 candidates were absent out of 1,301,236 registered, and 2 students were expelled.
Meanwhile, a delay in question distribution was reported at Motijheel Government Boys’ High School, where students received the paper 20 minutes late, drawing criticism toward an on-duty teacher.
In Chattogram, seven visually impaired students at the BWA Girls’ High School center were unable to begin their exam due to the absence of approved scribes. Authorities stated that guardians had arranged scribes without following regulations, leading to their denial of entry.
Despite isolated incidents, most exam centers in the capital maintained a positive and orderly environment, according to guardians.
In a severe breach of exam rules, Md. Yunus, a teacher from Matuya Adarsha High School in Feni, was sentenced to two years in jail for supplying hand-written answers to a student during the Dakhil exam at Feni Alia Kamil Madrasa. The punishment was handed down by Feni Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Sultana Nasrin Kanta.
LND/BG
