Stricter HSC exam rules target transparency and malpractice.
Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today said major changes have been introduced by amending the Public Examinations Act, 1980 to ensure transparency and accuracy in the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations.
Under the new provisions, examiners will also face strict punishment if any negligence or irregularity is detected in evaluating answer papers.
The minister disclosed this at a press conference held at the conference room of the Ministry of Education at the Secretariat this afternoon ahead of the 2026 HSC and equivalent examinations.
Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque and Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Dr Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, among others, were present at the press conference.
The minister said: "Once examiners completed evaluating answer papers, no one used to monitor the process afterwards. That will no longer happen."
He added, "In the past, we saw incidents where marks inside answer papers were altered fraudulently. Therefore, we have included a provision in the amended law for re-evaluation of answer papers. The education boards will carry out random sampling of answer papers to verify whether examiners are evaluating them properly and whether there is any over-marking or under-marking."
"If any negligence or irregularity by an examiner is proved, action will be taken in accordance with the law," he continued.
He said the number of examiners has been increased this year while the number of answer papers assigned to each examiner has been reduced to lessen their workload and ensure proper evaluation.
Dr Milon said: "We have completely overhauled the 1980 law, introducing stringent punitive measures against question paper leaks, fraud and malpractice. If any teacher or official involved in the examination is found engaged in such offences, they will face severe punishment."
"We have also kept three sets of question papers ready to deal with any situation involving question paper leaks," he added.
Regarding security at examination centres, the minister said the police administration has been requested to take special measures to maintain law and order during the examinations. Police personnel deployed at the centres will be equipped with body-worn cameras, he added.
He also said legal action would be taken under the cyber law against those spreading misleading information or fake news about the examinations on social media.
Replying to a question on the introduction of the new curriculum, the minister said it would not be possible to introduce the new curriculum in 2027 due to time constraints. However, it will be fully implemented from 2028.
Highlighting the government's tough stance against the coaching business, Milon said students tend to rely on coaching due to shortcomings in institutional education.
"We have taken the initiative to complete the admission process quickly after the publication of examination results so that the academic session can begin without delay," he said.
"Besides, arrangements will be made for in-house coaching or additional classes by teachers. We are also trying to bring coaching centres operating indiscriminately under a regulatory framework," he added.
Describing the HSC examination as the most important stage of students' lives, marking their "high school graduation" and shaping their future, the minister sought the overall cooperation of people from all walks of life as well as journalists to ensure the successful completion of the examinations.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Education and different education boards were present at the press conference.
