Education Ministry to Form Committee on Reducing SSC Subjects

The Ministry of Education has decided to form a specialized committee to evaluate whether the number of subjects in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations can be reduced starting next year. The decision was reached during a high-level meeting between Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon and the chairpersons of various education boards on Wednesday, March 25.

According to a ministry official who spoke to The Daily Campus on the condition of anonymity, the primary agenda of the meeting was to discuss potential reforms to the examination system to alleviate the academic pressure on students. The proposed committee will be tasked with researching the feasibility of reducing subjects and submitting a comprehensive report, after which a final decision will be made.

Focus on Merit-Based Assessment
The move comes as part of a broader vision by the new administration to modernize the country's education framework. Minister Milon has recently emphasized a shift toward a merit-based evaluation system, moving away from previous practices such as "auto-pass" or average marking in practical exams.

While the 2026 SSC exams are already scheduled to begin on April 21 under a shortened syllabus, this new committee will likely focus on structural changes for subsequent years. Officials noted that any reduction in subjects would aim to maintain international standards while ensuring that the core competencies of students are effectively assessed.

Upcoming Reforms
During the meeting, the Minister also reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy against cheating and question paper leaks. He highlighted that while the question papers for the upcoming April examinations have already been prepared, the ministry is open to incorporating expert opinions for long-term improvements in the curriculum and examination structure.

The formal notification regarding the formation of the committee and its specific terms of reference is expected to be issued by the ministry shortly.