Widespread Irregularities and Question Paper Errors Plague HSC Examinations Across Bangladesh
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The 2024 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations in Bangladesh have been marred by widespread reports of errors in question papers and logistical failures in distribution, sparking concerns among students and guardians. Authorities have officially acknowledged inaccuracies in the Physics First Paper, leading to a decision to award full marks to all examinees for the two flawed questions.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon confirmed in the national parliament that the government would compensate students for the errors in Physics. Following the discovery, show-cause notices were issued to four teachers responsible for moderating the Physics (Theory) First Paper. Beyond Physics, students have reported inconsistencies in Chemistry and Biology question papers, specifically citing discrepancies between Bengali and English versions of the tests.
Logistical mismanagement further complicated the examination process. Across several exam centers, including sites in Dinajpur, Bogura, Jamalpur, and Tangail, students were mistakenly provided with question papers intended for irregular candidates or those following outdated syllabi. In some instances, students were given the incorrect paper—such as receiving the Second Paper instead of the First—necessitating emergency replacements and causing significant distress.
In response to these lapses, education boards have initiated disciplinary actions. In Jamalpur, the principal of Government Asheq Mahmud College was issued a show-cause notice, and the college’s examination management committee was dissolved. Similar measures, including the formation of investigative committees and the removal of officials from duty, have been implemented in other districts where distribution errors occurred.
The current examination cycle has been particularly challenging for students who have faced disrupted academic routines due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent national unrest. Experts argue that the persistent nature of these errors, occurring at the stages of drafting, moderation, and distribution, points to systemic failures.
Professor SM Hafizur Rahman of the Institute of Education and Research at the University of Dhaka emphasized that errors in public examinations are unacceptable due to their profound impact on students’ futures. He urged education boards to move beyond reactive measures, such as issuing show-cause notices, and instead focus on enhancing the competency of question setters and moderators to eliminate these risks entirely.
In light of these developments, the Dhaka Education Board has announced plans to implement stricter oversight for future public exams. Examination Controller Jesmin Taslima Banu stated that authorities would introduce a double-moderation system and include English language experts in the moderation process for English-version papers. These reforms are slated to begin with the upcoming Grade 8 scholarship examinations.
While the written examinations for most education boards concluded recently—with the exception of the Chittagong Education Board, which had its schedule disrupted by floods—the incidents have reignited a debate regarding the accountability of the entire examination management apparatus, from the printing press to the local administration centers where papers are secured.
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