The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations are set to begin on Thursday (July 2). This year, the exams will be conducted using identical question papers across all education boards nationwide. Tight security measures have been implemented to prevent leaks, with the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee assuring that there is no loophole for any question paper leakage.

A total of 1,270,583 students are participating in this year's HSC and equivalent exams—an increase of 19,472 candidates compared to last year.

Among them, 1,069,714 students are appearing under the nine general education boards, while 200,869 students are taking the exams under the Madrasah and Technical Education Boards.

The examinations will kick off on Thursday (July 2) with the Bangla First Paper.

A total of 2,997 exam centers have been set up across the country. Among these, 145 centers have been identified as risky or sensitive, including 40 centers located in Dhaka.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations, a 35-point directive has been issued covering question paper distribution, answer script storage, calculator usage, and restroom inspections.

"There is absolutely no scope for question leaks. All preparations have been finalized to hold the exams in a malpractice-free environment. If any incident of a question leak does occur, the exam for that day will be suspended nationwide, and a fresh exam will be held later with new question papers," said Professor Syed Akteruzzaman, Chairman of the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan warned that if cheating is detected at any center, action will be taken not only against the student but also against the head of the respective educational institution.

Meanwhile, educationists have welcomed the initiative to hold exams under a uniform question paper across all boards, calling it a positive step. However, they noted that preventing question leaks and ensuring a standardized evaluation of answer scripts across all boards remain the biggest challenges.

The written examinations will run from July 2 to August 8, followed by practical exams which are scheduled to wrap up by August 15.