Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel addressed a press conference on Thursday, unveiling plans to simplify the evaluation process for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations.

The minister emphasized the need for a revamped evaluation system that parents can easily comprehend, ensuring a clearer understanding of their children’s skills.

Nowfel said: ÒThe objective is to move beyond the conventional GPA (Grade Point Average) system and assess students’ practical abilities and knowledge essential for professional life.
He acknowledged that despite many students achieving GPA 5, they often lack the necessary skills, prompting the integration of continuous assessment and other testing mechanisms into the latest curriculum.

Since January, the new evaluation system has been implemented at the lower secondary level, facilitated through the Naipunno app.

By assessing students’ conditions in February, the education ministry aims to take timely actions to address any shortcomings in their skills, practical abilities, and knowledge.

The minister clarified that he did not personally visit SSC examination centres due to the student’s mental state during the exam period.

However, the ministry is actively inspecting the centres to ensure a smooth examination process.

Addressing concerns about exam centres in the Bangladesh-Myanmar border area, he assured the Chittagong education board would take necessary steps if any student is absent.
Dismissing rumours of question paper leakage, the minister urged parents not to compromise their moral positions.

The SSC and equivalent examinations for 2024 commenced on Thursday, with an estimated 1,606,879 students sitting for SSC exams under nine general education boards, 290,940 for Dakhil tests under the madrasa education board, and 126,373 vocational students appearing for exams under the technical education board.