The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent exams will start from August 17 as per the schedule, said Education Minister Dipu Moni  on Tuesday.

The minister said this at a briefing on the HSC examinations at the International Mother Language Institute in the capital.

Besides, coaching centres will remain closed across the country from August 14 to September 25 due to the exams, she added.

Also read: Next year's HSC exam on revised syllabus: Education Minister

Dipu Moni announced that all educational institutions in Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari and Chattogram districts will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to the ongoing flood caused by heavy rains.

A total of 13,59, 342 students—6,88, 887 boys and 6,70,455 girls--- expected to appear in this year’s HSC examination, 1,55,935 more than the previous year as  a total of 12,03, 407 students sat for the exam last year, she said.

The HSC exams will be held at 2,658 exam centres and 9,169 educational institutions.

Also read: HSC 2023: Exams to begin from Aug 17, routine published

Among the total students, 11,08,594 students will appear for the exam under the nine general education boards, 98,031 under the Madrasha board and 1,52,717 under the Technical Education board.

Like previous year, students have to enter their respective examination halls  30 minutes before the examination starts, said the minister.

The Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board released the routine of the exams for all education boards on June 8.

According to the routine, HSC written exams will begin on August 17 and will continue till September 25.

Also read: SSC, equivalent exam results 2023: Girls outshine boys

Practical exams will be held from September 26 to October 4, according to the routine.

HSC exams will be held for three hours from 10 am to 1 pm and 2pm to 5pm.

This year's HSC exams will kick off with the Bangla first paper.