Govt plans to cut down HSC exams to expedite academic session

The government is planning to reduce the number of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations to expedite this year's academic session due to coronavirus epidemic.

In a virtual discussion on Saturday (June 27), education minister Dipu Moni said the exams will only be held 15 days after the situation in the country comes under control.

“We have to give students a 15-day notice. We must give them time to prepare," Dipu Moni said.

“Whenever the situation becomes favourable, we’ll take the examinations. We’re fully prepared for that,” she said.

She also said that there is no reason for the syllabus to be cut down as students have already completed it.

The Education Minister also revealed that the duration of the academic year might be extended if the coronavirus lasts longer.

Besides, a plan has been taken to reduce holidays and increase class hours to tackle the gap, she said, cautioning that there will be no compromise in case of acquiring knowledge and expertise.

All academic institutions in the country were shut down on March 17 amid the coronavirus outbreak. HSC and equivalent examinations were scheduled to start on April 1, but were postponed.