33% of Students Not Taking HSC Exams: Education Minister

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations of 2026 have commenced across the country simultaneously with identical question papers. However, approximately 33 percent of students are not participating in the examinations this year, according to Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education.

The Minister shared this information on Thursday (July 2) while speaking as the chief guest at an event titled "Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Transformation Grant and Multiplier Grant," organized by UNESCO at the Hotel InterContinental in the capital.

The Education Minister stated, "The HSC examinations have started today. However, nearly 33 percent of the students are not taking part in the exams. This rate is around 34 percent in the Technical Education Board and approximately 44 percent in madrasah education. This is by no means a pleasant situation for us."

Reflecting on progress within the education sector, he remarked, "After concluding my tenure from 2001 to 2006, returning to the Ministry of Education this time feels as though, instead of moving forward, I am looking into the rearview mirror and driving the car in reverse gear. In other words, upon returning, I see that we have fallen behind in many areas compared to the state we left the education sector in."

Regarding curriculum reform, the Minister mentioned that plans are in place to fully implement the new curriculum by 2028. He added that certain changes are being introduced in Class IV and Class VI this year, the outcomes of which can be evaluated in the future.