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Authorities in Bangladesh are exploring significant reforms to the public examination system, aiming to reduce student stress and minimize disruptions to regular academic activities. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has drafted a concept paper and action plan proposing a rationalization of subjects and a substantial shortening of examination schedules for both the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) levels.

The current system requires approximately 25-30 working days for SSC exams and 30-35 days or more for HSC exams. During this period, thousands of schools are utilized as examination centers, leading to the suspension of regular classes. The NCTB acknowledges that these lengthy examinations contribute to increased mental stress for students, divert teachers' attention to examination duties, and consequently delay the publication of results and subsequent admission processes.

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A workshop involving educationists, experts, parents, students, education board representatives and other stakeholders will be organised following the ministry's directives. Recommendations from the workshop will help shape final decisions.

To finalize these reforms, the NCTB plans to organize a workshop involving a wide range of stakeholders, including educationists, experts, parents, students, and education board representatives. Recommendations from this workshop, guided by the Ministry of Education's directives, will shape the final decisions. The NCTB will also study international practices in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore to determine an optimal number of examination subjects.

Discussions will cover potential subject integration, restructuring compulsory and optional subjects, revising question formats, modernizing practical assessments, and enhancing school-based evaluation methods. The goal is to develop a framework that balances continuous and summative assessments, alongside implementation and risk-mitigation strategies. A final framework will be developed based on stakeholder feedback, with approximately 90 participants expected to contribute.

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The process is being carried forward through coordination among the NCTB, the Dhaka Education Board and other relevant stakeholders.