The number of examinees for this year's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams has increased by 33,901 compared to last year.

The government is all set to hold the exams from December 2, over eight months after the scheduled time due to the Covid-19 situation. This year the exams will take place with fewer subjects and shortened syllabuses.

The exams did not take place in 2020 due to the pandemic and candidates were given certificates based on results of their previous two public exams -- Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Junior School Certificate (JSC).

While speaking at a press conference today ahead of HSC exams, Education Minister Dipu Moni said that all coaching centres will remain closed from November 25 to January 3.

Dipu Moni added that a total of 13,99,690 students are expected to take part in this year's HSC and equivalent exams.

Of the candidates, 7.30 lakh are boys and 6.70 lakh are girls.

Students from 9,183 colleges, madrasas and technical institutions will take the HSC exams at 2,621 centres across the country.

Around 11,38,017 students under nine general education boards, 1.13 lakh students from madrasa board and 1.48 lakh from technical education board will participate in the exams.