Education Board Reviews Contested HSC Physics Questions

The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has issued an official explanation following widespread concern among Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidates over two creative questions in the Physics First Paper examination. The board has assured students that the complaints are being examined with the utmost seriousness and that no candidate will suffer any disadvantage if any error or inconsistency is confirmed.

In an official statement issued on Monday (13 July), signed by Professor Jesmin Taslima Banu, Convener of the Inter-Education Board Examination Controllers’ Committee and Controller of Examinations of the Dhaka Education Board, the authorities said that allegations concerning Questions 6 and 7 of the creative section were undergoing a detailed review.

According to the statement, students, teachers and parents have submitted a range of complaints and observations regarding the two questions. These concerns are now being evaluated by subject specialists, who will assess whether the questions were properly designed, aligned with the prescribed curriculum and capable of being answered fairly by candidates. The board said that every aspect of the questions, including their wording, content and academic appropriateness, would be examined before any final decision is reached.

The education authorities stressed that protecting the interests of examinees remains their highest priority throughout the evaluation process. If the investigation establishes that the questions contained genuine errors, ambiguities or elements likely to confuse students, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure fair marking. The board has also confirmed that, if necessary, candidates may be awarded full marks for the affected questions so that no student is academically disadvantaged.

Officials noted that there is an established procedure for reviewing examination-related complaints. Decisions are not made solely on the basis of public discussion but are reached after consulting expert teachers, reviewing question-setting guidelines and considering the overall assessment standards applied to the examination. For that reason, students and guardians have been urged not to rely on unverified claims or speculation circulating on social media before the board completes its investigation.

The statement also appealed to examinees, parents, teachers and the wider public to act responsibly. The board warned that sharing unverified information could create unnecessary anxiety during the examination period and advised everyone to place their trust in official announcements rather than rumours.

The controversy emerged shortly after the Physics First Paper examination, when discussions about Questions 6 and 7 spread rapidly across social media platforms. Many candidates argued that the language, presentation or structure of the questions had caused confusion, making it difficult to understand what was expected in their answers. As these concerns gained widespread attention, the matter was formally brought to the notice of the education authorities.

In response, the Inter-Education Board Examination Controllers’ Committee reiterated that every complaint would be assessed carefully and impartially. Should the review confirm any shortcomings in the examination paper, the board has pledged to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of candidates and ensure that the marking process remains fair, transparent and consistent with established academic standards.

The board’s assurance has offered a measure of relief to many anxious students and parents, who had been awaiting an official response following days of uncertainty. While the review is still ongoing, the authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the integrity of the HSC examination system and ensuring that every candidate receives a just and equitable assessment.