The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Alim, and equivalent examinations are among the most significant public exams in Bangladesh, marking a crucial step for students aiming for higher education. The 2025 exam routine has been officially announced by the Ministry of Education, covering HSC, Alim, HSC Vocational, Diploma in Business Studies (DIBS), and other equivalent exams. This article provides accurate details on the exam schedule, instructions, and preparation tips for students.
Exam Overview
The HSC and equivalent exams for 2025 will commence on June 26, 2025, and conclude on August 10, 2025, with practical exams scheduled from August 11 to August 21, 2025. These exams will be conducted across 11 education boards in Bangladesh, including nine general education boards (Dhaka, Rajshahi, Jessore, Barisal, Comilla, Chittagong, Sylhet, Dinajpur, and Mymensingh), the Madrasah Education Board (for Alim), and the Technical Education Board (for HSC Vocational and DIBS). Over 1.25 million students are expected to participate, including approximately 618,015 male and 633,096 female students.
The exams will follow a shortened syllabus in 2025, allowing students to focus on key topics. The routine was officially published on February 19, 2025, and is available in PDF and image formats on the official websites of the respective education boards.
Exam Schedule
The exams will be held in two shifts:
- Morning Shift: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Below is a summarized timetable for the HSC and Alim exams, based on the official routine:
| Date | Subject (HSC) | Subject (Alim) |
|---|---|---|
| June 26, 2025 | Bangla 1st Paper | Quran Majid |
| June 29, 2025 | Bangla 2nd Paper | Arabic 1st Paper |
| July 1, 2025 | English 1st Paper | Bangla 1st Paper |
| July 3, 2025 | English 2nd Paper | Bangla 2nd Paper |
| July 7, 2025 | ICT | English 1st Paper |
| July 11, 2025 | Physics 1st Paper / Economics 1st Paper | English 2nd Paper |
| August 10, 2025 | Higher Math 2nd Paper / Biology 2nd Paper | Higher Mathematics 2nd Paper / Hadith 2nd Paper |
Note: The above table includes key subjects; the full routine, including subjects like Chemistry, Accounting, Civics, and Islamic Studies, is available on official websites. The Alim exam includes additional subjects like Tafsir, Fiqh, and Hadith. Practical exam schedules vary by exam center, and students should check their respective institution’s notice board.
How to Download the Routine
Students can download the official routine in PDF or image format by following these steps:
- Visit the official website of the relevant education board:
- General Boards: www.dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd or www.educationboard.gov.bd
- Madrasah Board: www.bmeb.gov.bd
- Technical Board: www.bteb.gov.bd
- Navigate to the “Notice” or “Routine” section.
- Locate the “HSC Routine 2025” or “Alim Routine 2025” link.
- Click to download the PDF or save the image file.
- Print a copy for easy reference.
Exam Instructions
To ensure a smooth examination process, students must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Arrival Time: Arrive at the exam center at least 30 minutes before the exam starts (by 9:30 AM for morning shift).
- Required Items: Bring your admit card, registration card, pens, pencils, a scientific calculator (non-programmable), and other necessary materials. Programmable calculators and mobile phones are strictly prohibited.
- Exam Format: Exams typically include a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) section followed by a Creative/Descriptive section. MCQ answer sheets (OMR) are collected before distributing creative question papers.
- Morning shift: MCQ OMR sheets collected at 10:30 AM (10:25 AM for 25-mark MCQs).
- Afternoon shift: MCQ OMR sheets collected at 2:30 PM (2:25 PM for 25-mark MCQs).
- Answer Sheet Rules: Write your roll number, registration number, and subject code accurately on the OMR form. Do not fold the answer sheet or write in the margins.
- Passing Criteria: Students must pass separately in theoretical, MCQ, and practical sections (if applicable).
- Health Guidelines: Due to ongoing health concerns, exams will follow strict health protocols, such as maintaining social distancing and wearing masks.
Preparation Tips
- Plan Your Study Schedule: Use the routine to prioritize subjects based on exam dates. Allocate more time to challenging subjects like Physics, Higher Mathematics, or Fiqh.
- Focus on the Short Syllabus: Review the updated syllabus available on your education board’s website to avoid studying irrelevant topics.
- Practice Past Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format and time management.
- Revise Regularly: Create concise notes for quick revision, especially for subjects like Bangla, English, and Quran Majid.
- Stay Updated: Check the official websites regularly for any changes to the routine or additional instructions.
- Maintain Health: Get adequate sleep, eat balanced meals, and take short breaks during study sessions to stay focused.
Key Notes
- The routine is the same for all general education boards but differs for Alim and HSC Vocational exams. Ensure you download the correct routine for your board.
- Form fill-up for the 2025 exams begins on March 2, 2025, and admit cards must be collected from your institution before the exam.
- Results are expected to be published in October 2025, accessible via www.educationboardresults.gov.bd.
Conclusion
The HSC, Alim, and equivalent exams are pivotal for students’ academic and professional futures. By downloading the official routine, following exam instructions, and preparing strategically, students can approach the 2025 exams with confidence. Stay organized, keep a printed copy of the routine handy, and give your best effort. Best of luck to all examinees!
For the latest updates, visit your education board’s official website or contact your institution.