Why SSC Exams Were Moved to March, Minister Explains

The SSC examinations were initially planned to begin in January but were eventually pushed back to March to accommodate Ramadan, seasonal rain and floods, and the schedules of the subsequent HSC and university admission examinations, Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milan said.

The minister made the remarks on Monday (August 31) in response to a journalist’s question at a press conference following his visit to China, held at the conference room of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division of the Ministry of Education.

The journalist asked why the SSC examinations, which had initially been tentatively scheduled to begin on January 7, had been moved to March and whether there was any possibility of delaying them further.

In response, the education minister said, “We had discussions with more than 1,000 stakeholders. They wanted the examinations to be completed before Ramadan and Eid. Considering that, we initially set a tentative one-month period from January 7 to February 7. Ramadan will begin on February 10 and end on March 10.”

He said the examination schedule also needed to account for disruptions caused by rain and floods during the monsoon season and ensure coordination among the SSC, HSC and university admission examinations.

“Our main view was to synchronise these issues. First SSC, then HSC, and then adjust the university admission examinations and those who go abroad, bringing everything into one place. From that perspective, February was the most suitable month for holding the examinations. But it is not possible because of Ramadan. We eventually found that it would be better to hold the examinations immediately after Ramadan. However, there is no other reason to delay the examinations,” he said.

Five Major Outcomes of China Visit

Earlier, Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milan outlined five major outcomes of his recent visit to China, saying significant progress had been made in expanding cooperation with China in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

A high-level Bangladesh government delegation led by the minister visited China from August 26 to 28. The delegation included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Dr Mahdi Amin and Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division Md Daud Mia.

The main objective of the visit was to gain detailed knowledge of China’s TVET model and its institutional operations. The delegation also focused on establishing an institutional framework for Bangladesh-China cooperation in technical and vocational education.

Discussions also covered the development and implementation of teacher training and professional skills programmes, establishing modern technical laboratories and practical training facilities, and introducing technical and vocational education with Chinese-language support.

The visit also explored opportunities for Bangladeshi students to receive training and internships in China, as well as employment opportunities through Chinese industries and businesses operating in Bangladesh.