Milon considers uniform question papers for SSC, HSC exams

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has said that the possibility of conducting SSC and HSC examinations nationwide using a single, uniform question paper—rather than different papers for different regions—is under consideration.

He stated that the same standard question paper should be provided to all students across the country. “If competitive exams worldwide can be conducted with uniform questions, it is possible in our country as well. We are exploring how this system can be implemented from next year,” he added.

The minister made the remarks during a post-Iftar discussion with members of the Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB), at his official residence on Minto Road in Dhaka on Saturday (March 14).

Highlighting the challenge of conducting the upcoming SSC and equivalent exams in a cheating-free environment, Milon said, “We have succeeded in the past, and this practice will continue. Those attempting question paper leaks using technology will be strictly dealt with. I will personally oversee overall exam security on the ground.”

Referring to the ministry as his ‘place of worship,’ he said that through a 180-day programme, he aims to establish a foundation with an impact equivalent to 180 years. “My goal is to work steadily, ensuring no mistakes are made. This ministry is not a job; it is worship—it is work for the country,” he added.

Addressing the controversy over the 18-year experience requirement for appointments, Milon said that the recent readjustment was intended to give opportunities to teachers who were previously deprived due to political reasons over the past 15–17 years. He also identified the revision of the new curriculum and textbooks for 2027 as one of his major missions.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of work in the ministry, he urged officials to move beyond routine practices and complete tasks efficiently, emphasising that they are here to work for educational development, not personal gain.

The discussion was attended by ERAB President Faruk Hossain, General Secretary Solaiman Salman, Vice President Shahed Matiur Rahman, Joint Secretary Asif Hasan Kajol, Finance Secretary Nazior Rahman Sohel, and other ERAB members and journalists from various media outlets.