HSC 2026: Tech-Driven Fair Exams, Gap Narrows Between General and Technical Education

The HSC and equivalent examinations begin tomorrow with unprecedented use of technology to ensure a cheat-free environment. Every exam center will have CCTV cameras, and police on duty will wear body cameras. A central monitoring cell at the education ministry will oversee all centers in real time.

This year, a total of 1,270,583 candidates are taking the exams—19,472 more than last year. But the most notable shift is the growing interest in science and technical education. Combined, technical and madrasa education now account for nearly 19% of total candidates, up from previous years.

In 2025, total candidates stood at 1,251,111—1,055,398 in general boards, 109,611 in technical boards, and 86,102 in madrasa. In 2026, general boards saw an increase of 14,316 students, madrasas rose by 6,803, while technical boards dropped by 1,647. However, female participation in technical education increased from 29,508 to 30,412.

The use of technology is a game-changer. Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon said every center is under CCTV surveillance. Police will use body cameras to prevent outsiders from entering. Additionally, all nine general education boards will use identical question papers, reducing the risk of leaks.

Despite the progress, technical education faces major challenges. The number of exam centers under the technical board dropped by 123, even as institutions increased by 25. More worryingly, 54.58% of regular students in technical boards did not fill out exam forms, compared to 33.04% in general boards—indicating a high dropout rate.

Education analysts argue that for a digital Bangladesh, science and technical education must be prioritized. Though the absolute number of technical students remains far lower than general, the growth trajectory is positive. More centers, trained teachers, and awareness campaigns are urgently needed.

Exams will be held over 21 days across 77 subjects. On days without exams, regular classes will run in institutions. Venue centers, known for facilitating cheating, have been cancelled—except in remote and hilly areas for student convenience. For Seventh-day Adventist candidates, Saturday exams will be held after sunset.

Overall, the 2026 HSC exams mark a new benchmark in transparency and technology. But the bigger takeaway is the gradual but steady shift toward technical education—a trend that policymakers must nurture with infrastructure and support.

//DBTech/SH/MI//