The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations-2019 under ten education boards have begun across the country on Saturday (Jan 2).

“A total of 21,35,333 students from 28,682 educational institutions are appearing in the SSC and equivalent exams. Among them, 10,70,441 students are male and 10,64,892 female,” state news agency BSS quoted Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni as saying on Thursday (Jan 31).

A total of 17,00,102 students are participating in the SSC examination under eight general education boards. Among them 8,22,661 candidates are male and 8,77,441 female.

Some 3,10,172 students are appearing in the Dakhil examinations while 1,25,059 students taking part in the SSC (vocational) examination.

In 2018, a total of 20,31,899 students took part in the SSC and equivalent examinations.

A total of 434 students from eight overseas centres are appearing in the SSC examinations this year.

An extra 20 minutes time will be given for students with disabilities in the exams while examinees with autism will be given 30 minutes. Examinees must enter the examination halls 30 minutes before the scheduled time of examination.

The government has strengthened its efforts for checking question paper leakage during the SSC and equivalent examinations.

“Stern actions will be taken against those found involved in any irregularities including leaking question papers during the SSC examinations,” the education minister said.

Moni said no question papers were leaked during the public examinations last year. She also hoped that they would be able to hold SSC examination peacefully and stop question paper leakage during the public examinations.

All departments concerned are sincerely working to root out all possible sources of question paper leakage as a vested quarter are involved with the malpractices, she added.

The government has decided to shut down all coaching centres during the SSC and equivalent examinations.