Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said the government plans to complete the SSC and HSC examinations by December 31 each year to prevent loss of valuable time in students’ educational lives.

Speaking at a view-exchange meeting at the Ministry on Wednesday, the minister said that currently students take the SSC exam the year after completing Class 10, and face a similar delay for the HSC exam.

“This results in a loss of about two years in a student’s academic life. This is a big loss for both students and the nation,” he said.

The minister emphasized the importance of a cheating-free examination environment for developing students’ talent.

“The government will continue to ensure fair exams through active teacher participation. A fair examination system will be established in divisional cities through consultation with the Central Secretary and local administration,” he added.

The minister also called for an investigation into delays in taking administrative action against the Central Secretary at Khagakhribari Dwimukhi High School in Dimla, Nilphamari, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminate irregularities during examinations.

He instructed all education boards to assess the actual conditions and challenges of upcoming SSC exam centers.

In the meeting, it was decided that a common question paper will be used for all boards in the 2026 HSC examination, said a PID handout.

The mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in each examination room to ensure transparency was also discussed.

Besides, a high-level committee will be formed to examine the necessity and feasibility of reducing the number of subjects in future SSC and HSC exams.

The meeting, chaired by Abdul Khalek, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, was attended by Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Division, senior ministry officials, and chairmen of all education boards.