Coaching centres to remain closed during HSC exams

Replicating the steps taken during the SSC examinations, the education ministry has decided to keep coaching centres closed from four days prior to the first exam of the upcoming HSC and its equivalent examinations until the final day of the exams.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid will brief the media in this regard today, an official of the ministry seeking anonymity told The Daily Star yesterday.

The measure was taken as part of the ministry's effort to prevent question leaks during the exams. This year's HSC and equivalent exams are scheduled to be held between April 2 and May 13. As in the previous year, no one will be allowed to use any mobile phone except for the secretary of an exam centre. The secretary will be authorised to use a regular (basic) mobile phone during the exams.

Regarding other measures, the official said the envelope containing question papers will be sealed with a security tape -- a feature being introduced for the first time. Once the envelope is opened after breaking the security seal, the authorities concerned will be able to ascertain whether the envelope had been opened before or not, he said.

Besides, question sets would be determined through lotteries, 25 minutes prior to the tests. Also, the examinees are being instructed to enter exam centres 30 minutes prior to their respective exams. Question papers of almost all the tests of SSC examinations were leaked and circulated on Facebook pages hours before the tests began. It was the largest ever reported spate of SSC question paper leaks that drew fierce criticism.