The Bangladesh government is planning several changes to the public examination system, including SSC and HSC exams. The proposals include limiting the number of retakes, replacing re-scrutiny with re-evaluation, and updating laws to tackle digital exam fraud.
Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon shared these plans on Saturday, April 11. He spoke at a meeting with examination officials in Rajshahi. Representatives from general, madrasa, and technical education boards attended the meeting.
Officials say the government wants to amend the Inter-Education Board Examination Conduct Policy and the Public Examinations (Offences) Act, 1980. The aim is to modernise the system and prevent question paper leaks.
The minister said the government is aware of those involved in question leaks. He said legal action will be taken against them. He also stressed that the law will focus on accountability within the system, not on students.
One major proposal is to replace the current re-scrutiny system with a re-evaluation system. At present, students can apply for re-scrutiny after exam results are published. This process checks for errors in marking but does not allow changes to the marks given by examiners.
Under re-scrutiny, marks can be added if a question was not checked. Errors in total marks or transferring marks to the cover page can also be corrected. However, the original marks given by examiners cannot be changed.
Also Read: Students to Get Maximum Two Chances in SSC, HSC Exams: Education Minister
Education boards accept re-scrutiny applications within seven days of result publication. After review, updated results are published if any errors are found.
Officials say the proposed re-evaluation system would be different. In this system, answer scripts would be checked again fully. Marks could increase, decrease, or remain the same.
This proposal has raised concerns among teachers. Many believe it could create risks of corruption and misuse.
Professor Md. Mazharul Hannan, president of the Principals’ Council, strongly opposed the idea. He said re-evaluation could lead to increased financial transactions and pressure on the system. He warned that it may open new paths for corruption.
He also said the current evaluation system is fair. According to him, examiners do not know the identity of students when marking scripts. Scripts are coded, so there is no way to identify the candidate or their exam centre.
Officials from education boards said no final decision has been made yet. The current re-scrutiny system will remain until any policy changes are approved.
Another key proposal is to limit the number of times a student can retake an exam after failing. At present, students can sit for an exam up to four times in a failed subject.
The education minister said this may be reduced to two attempts. He questioned whether the system should allow repeated attempts without limits. He said students should not be given more than two chances to pass a subject.
However, teacher leaders have raised concerns about this proposal as well. Professor Hannan said students should have the opportunity to try again if they are willing to study. He argued that limiting attempts could harm students who need more time to improve.
The government is also planning to update laws to address digital crimes in exams. The existing Public Examinations (Offences) Act, 1980 does not include clear provisions for modern forms of fraud.
Officials say the current law cannot effectively deal with online question leaks or the use of digital devices for cheating. This has become a growing concern in recent years.
Fahim Faisal, a law officer at the Ministry of Education, said a draft is being prepared to update the law. He said the goal is to include punishment for crimes carried out using technology.
The proposed changes may also allow action against organised groups involved in exam fraud. Coaching centres or institutions linked to such activities could also face legal consequences.
Faisal said the Law Commission is working on recommendations to modernise the law. However, the process is still at an early stage. No final decisions have been made yet.
The government is also considering changes to the unified question paper system used across education boards. Details of this proposal have not been finalised.
These planned reforms could have a major impact on students, teachers, and the examination system in Bangladesh. The proposals aim to improve fairness, reduce fraud, and strengthen accountability.
For now, all changes remain under review. Officials say decisions will be made after further discussions and legal steps are completed.
