Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams began today, after a break of a year due to the pandemic.

HSC exams began at 10am across the country.

From the Siddheswari Girls College exam centre on Dhaka's Baily Road, our photojournalist Anisur Rahman reported that students and their guardians thronged the venue around 7am. When asked why they arrived so early, they said it was because of recent protests and roadblocks, and they wanted to avoid any possible delay.

HSC examinees at Siddheswari Girls College centre today (December 2, 2021). Photo: Anisur Rahman

Although students were seen following health guidelines, many guardians were not wearing masks.

At 8:40am, students were allowed to enter the exam halls. Before entering, the college authorities conducted a temperature check and hand sanitization.

The number of examinees in this year's HSC and equivalent exams has gone up by 33,901 from last year. About 14 lakh students are expected to sit for this year's tests. Of them, 7.30 lakh are boys and 6.70 lakh are girls.

HSC examinees at Siddheswari Girls College centre today (December 2, 2021). Photo: Anisur Rahman

About 11.4 lakh students will participate in the exams under nine general education boards, 1.13 lakh under the madrasa education board and 1.48 lakh under the technical education board.

The HSC exams will end on December 30.