Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams began nationwide today, but with the lowest number of candidates in three years.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the exams took place across 2,797 centers. Students sat under nine general education boards, along with the Madrasa and Technical Education Boards.
Exam registrations dropped by around 81,000 this year, totaling 1,251,111 students.
The trend follows a larger pattern. More than 400,000 students who passed their SSC exams two years ago, enrolled in higher secondary programs, and registered for this exam cycle, did not show up.
Officials have not released any detailed explanation for this large-scale absenteeism.
The exams are scheduled to continue over the coming weeks as per the National Education Board calendar.
Observers say the drop raises concerns about student retention and long-term participation in secondary education.
