The government has fixed July 2 as the starting date for this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations.

The decision was finalized today during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Education aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the SSC, HSC, and equivalent examinations for 2026.

Education, Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon confirmed the timeline to the media, stating, “We have decided, after discussions with all stakeholders, that the HSC examinations will begin on July 2. The full schedule will be published within the next week.”

The minister further noted that the government plans to complete the entire examination process within the following five weeks.

During the meeting, several significant policy decisions were made regarding public examinations at the secondary and higher secondary levels.

Most notably, Minister Milon issued a directive to immediately abolish the controversial practice known as “silent expulsion.”

Emphasizing transparency, he said, “There is no place for 'silent expulsion'. Even the Public Examination Control Act of 1980 did not include such a provision. If anyone is to be punished, it must be done through a transparent process. If cheating is proven at the examination centre, action must be taken there. Quietly expelling someone at home is not legally valid.”

Regarding the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations scheduled to begin on April 21, the minister confirmed that all preparations are complete to ensure a fair environment.

He offered reassurance to the candidates, clarifying that the enforcement of rigorous standards is targeted at administrators rather than the examinees.

“The strict rules are not for students, but for teachers and centre secretaries to ensure quality education and proper conduct of examinations,” the minister stated.