The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations for 2025 began across the country on Thursday.

The exams started at 10:00 am in 2,797 centres nationwide.

Around 12.5 lakh students were expected to sit for the examinations under nine education boards—marking a significant decline of 81,882 candidates compared to last year.

The written tests will continue until 10 August, followed by practical exams from 11 to 21 August, according to the exam routine.

Education board officials said a dedicated medical team has been made available at each centre.

Earlier, the education boards issued ten specific instructions for examinees, including arriving at the centre at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam, using only general scientific calculators, and refraining from carrying mobile phones into the centres.

Considering the recent rise in Covid-19 cases, wearing masks has been made mandatory, and hand sanitisers have been arranged at the entry points of all centres. Besides, special anti-mosquito drives and cleanliness campaigns have been carried out to protect students from Aedes mosquito bites.

Meanwhile, the activities of all coaching centres across the country have been suspended until 15 August, as per a previous circular issued by the Ministry of Education.