Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee reschedules all postponed 2025 HSC and equivalent exams, easing concerns among students and guardians

The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has released the revised schedule for the postponed 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. The updated routine ensures that no two exams will be held on the same day, addressing widespread concerns among students, parents, and educators.

The committee made the announcement on Wednesday, July 23, following the postponement of several exams due to recent emergencies, including a military aircraft crash and regional unrest. According to the new schedule, each postponed exam will now be held separately on different dates.

As per the revised timeline, the exams that were initially scheduled for July 22 will now take place on August 17, while those from July 24 will be held on August 19. In addition, exams under the Cumilla Education Board that were suspended on July 10 due to flooding have been rescheduled for August 12. Moreover, the exam that was postponed on July 17 in Gopalganj—limited to that district alone—will be conducted on August 14.

This latest decision overturns a previous plan announced by Education Adviser C.R. Abrar, which proposed that the postponed exams of July 22 and 24 be conducted on the same day. That announcement had drawn significant backlash from students, parents, and educators, who expressed frustration and disbelief over the logistical pressure and mental burden such a move would impose on examinees.

The postponed exams primarily affected students from nine general education boards. The revised schedule now spreads these exams across multiple dates to allow students adequate preparation time, while also maintaining examination integrity and fairness.

Alongside the changes to written exam dates, the schedule for practical exams has also been adjusted. Due to the delays in written tests, practical examinations will now commence later than originally planned, with individual boards expected to announce the updated timelines soon.

The postponements were triggered by a series of disruptive incidents. On July 22 and 24, all HSC and equivalent exams were suspended nationwide following a military aircraft crash near Milestone School and College in Dhaka. Separately, unrest in Gopalganj led to the suspension of exams in that district on July 17, and severe flooding in parts of the Cumilla region prompted authorities to halt exams on July 10.

The education boards acted on these suspensions in consultation with law enforcement, local administrations, and disaster management units to ensure the safety of students and examination personnel. In issuing the revised dates, the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee emphasized that the new schedule was developed after careful consideration of student welfare and operational feasibility.

With the announcement of the new dates, education officials are hopeful that students can now focus on their preparations without the added pressure of overlapping exams. The boards also urged all institutions to cooperate in implementing the revised schedule and to assist students in managing the transition.

This updated announcement is expected to restore confidence among the student community and their families, many of whom had raised serious concerns about fairness and feasibility in the wake of earlier proposals. Educators had similarly expressed surprise and disapproval over the idea of holding two major exams on the same day, citing academic pressure and logistical challenges.

The education authorities have assured that any future disruptions will be handled with prompt updates and transparent communication. The Coordination Committee also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all students are treated equitably and that the examination process maintains its integrity despite unforeseen circumstances.