The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations under the Jashore Education Board are set to begin on Thursday, with 27,597 examinees expected to sit for the exams in Khulna district as elsewhere across the country.

The candidates include students from schools, madrasas and vocational institutions, and the exams will be held across 83 centres throughout the district.

Last year, a total of 29,545 students took part in the exams, showing a decline of 1,948 candidates this year.

Officials have cited ongoing political instability and the financial challenges faced by students’ families as the primary reasons behind the decline.

According to the district administration, 37 decisions were adopted at an SSC exam coordination meeting held on March 12.

SSC, equivalent exams 2024: Significant gains for Madrasa Education Board

Among the key measures taken: only button phones will be allowed inside examination centres—smartphones are strictly prohibited; student seating arrangements have been finalised using the ‘Z’ system to ensure fairness; each exam centre will have a designated medical team available; uninterrupted electricity supply will be ensured at all centres; and journalists will not be allowed to enter centres in groups—they have instead been instructed to collect information directly from the centre secretaries.

Besides, the exam question set codes will be shared through a secure group, while executive magistrates and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) will verify the codes before distribution.