Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon spoke at a view-exchange meeting held at the Secretariat today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, March 03, 2026 (BSS) – Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has issued strict directives to the authorities concerned to hold the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations-2026 in a fair, transparent, and fully cheating-free environment.

“Changes will be made in the examination system to build a merit-based nation. No more opportunities for ‘auto-pass’ will be given,” he said at a view-exchange meeting with the chairmen of all education boards and senior ministry officials at the Secretariat here.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj attended the meeting.

Announcing a zero-tolerance policy against any irregularities, Milon said necessary laws will soon be formulated to prevent cheating through digital devices. He also directed authorities to conduct proper body searches of candidates upon entering the examination centres.

The minister warned that authorities would be held responsible if any cheating materials are found, even in the toilets of examination centres. He added that strict legal action will be taken if any rumours or content related to question papers are spread on social media.

Stressing the importance of assessing candidates’ actual merit, Milon said the traditional practice of giving average marks in practical exams should be stopped. Results should reflect actual evaluation, he added.

It was also announced that motivational meetings will be organized at district level across the country to raise public awareness against cheating.

During the meeting, the minister outlined a visionary plan to strengthen the country’s education system, reviewed overall SSC exam preparations, and directed the re-investigation and updating of the list of risky centres. The chairmen of the education boards also presented progress reports on organizing the examination.