By Khandaker Apon Hossain :
The SSC exam, as a completion of secondary education, is globally recognized as a standard educational evaluation method. The origin and development of this exam serve as a remarkable record of the progress in educational systems. The history shows that the first institutionalized secondary exam was initiated in Britain.
In 1858, Cambridge University introduced the ‘Secondary School Certificate’ or SSC exam for children from affluent families. At that time, the number of participants was minimal, and the content of the exam was limited. During the British colonial rule, this examination system was introduced in the Indian subcontinent. In 1864, the University of Calcutta began the first secondary examination in the region.
In Bangladesh (then East Bengal), this exam was introduced in 1921 as ‘Matriculation’. When compared with the current SSC exam, several fundamental differences are evident. For instance, at that time, the exam was entirely memorization-based, while today, a creative question pattern is in place. The number of candidates and exam centres has significantly expanded, and there have been significant technological advancements in exam management and result publication.
Globally, the format of secondary exams varies across countries. In Japan, the exams are highly rigorous, but the pass rate is 99%. In the United States, there is no centralized exam like the SSC, but a continuous assessment system is in place at the school level. In Germany, 40% of students take vocational education after secondary school. In Bangladesh, several challenges persist in the SSC exam system. Issues such as cheating prevention, improving exam standards, eliminating the urban-rural divide, and reducing reliance on coaching are critical. However, with the introduction of digital marking systems, measures to prevent question leaks, and the introduction of creative methods, positive changes are underway. Experts believe that in the future, the SSC exam will become more practical and skill-based. Online exams, continuous evaluation, and project-based education have the potential to reshape this examination system. However, in any change, it is crucial to maintain the core educational objective, which is knowledge acquisition and the development of human values. This essential step in the education system has evolved over time and will continue to do so in the future, but its fundamental goal-assessing students’ intelligence and abilities-will always remain unchanged.
The 2025 SSC exams are scheduled to begin on April 10th, with only a day remaining. At this moment, hundreds of thousands of students across the country are immersed in their studies, burning the midnight oil. The SSC exam is not just an educational evaluation, but a significant challenge in a student’s life. Preparing for this challenge involves not only preparation but also the right approach and mental stability. According to the Ministry of Education, the exam will continue until the first week of May. With little time left, both students and parents are concerned about how to prepare effectively. Experts suggest that now is the best time to revise after finishing the syllabus. Regular daily study, revising important chapters repeatedly, and taking model tests to assess one’s progress are essential. With the time remaining, students must divide their daily study time to cover the syllabus. If they have weaknesses in difficult subjects like Mathematics, English, or Science, they should focus on these areas now. If possible, students should discuss challenging topics with their peers. Solving last year’s questions and model creative tests is essential to manage time effectively and boost confidence. Adequate sleep, nutritious food, and light exercise enhance brain performance. Therefore, alongside studies, attention must also be given to health. Meditation, music, or walking can help in keeping calm without additional stress.
Research shows that students in Bangladesh tend to rely heavily on guidebooks and notes during the last moments of preparation, while students in Finland or Japan prepare through continuous assessments throughout the year. They have less fear of exams because their education systems emphasize understanding rather than rote memorization. While Bangladesh has adopted the creative method, many students are still reliant on guidebooks. Teachers’ and parents’ support is vital during the final stages. It is essential to encourage students without adding extra pressure. Often, parents’ high expectations increase the mental stress of students.
Nowadays, many students are using online lectures, model tests, and notes for assistance. Various government and private platforms offer free coaching. If students have internet access, these resources can be valuable. The SSC exam is not the end of the road; it is just the beginning. By passing this exam, thousands of students move forward toward new dreams. Bangladesh’s education system still has many shortcomings, but change is gradually taking place. There are certain moments in a student’s life that determine the course of their future, and the SSC exam is one such turning point-a journey, a struggle, and a time to plant the seeds of dreams. The importance of this exam is immense in the life of every student in Bangladesh. However, this significance is not just in Bangladesh but worldwide. The procedures may vary, but the importance remains the same.
In Bangladesh, the SSC exam is considered the first major achievement. This exam determines the future educational path of a student. Every year, nearly 20 lakh students participate in this exam. Behind this number, there are countless stories. A boy from a village stays up all night studying under a kerosene lamp, while a girl from the city is exhausted from the pressure of coaching and private tutors. There is a significant difference between the two, yet they both face the same exam. There is still inequality in Bangladesh’s education system. Schools in cities have labs, libraries, and multimedia classrooms, whereas many schools in rural areas still lack adequate books, teachers, or electricity.
Since the introduction of the creative method, memorization reliance has decreased to some extent. However, many students are still dependent on guidebooks, notes, and sheets. While irregularities like question leaks and cheating have reduced, they are not completely eradicated. With the introduction of digital marking, transparency is increasing. However, many students still suffer from mental pressure. Finland’s education system is considered a model worldwide. They do not have public exams like the SSC. Instead, assessments are continuous, and students learn with joy without the stress of exams. Their pass rate is nearly 99%. In Finland, teaching is the most respected profession. The student-teacher ratio is very low, with an average of 20 students per class. In Bangladesh, a class can have 60-70 students, making it challenging to ensure quality education. Finnish schools give minimal homework, believing that children learn a lot through sports and creative activities.
In Bangladesh, homework pressure remains high, and many students stay up late studying. Japan’s education system emphasizes discipline and hard work. Their secondary exams are tough, but they focus on understanding rather than rote memorization. The pass rate in Japan is around 95%. In Japanese schools, students clean their classrooms themselves, learning responsibility. This practice has started in some schools in Bangladesh, but many parents still consider it a waste of time. Japan emphasizes group study, where students help each other, but in Bangladesh, group study is often overshadowed by the pressure of coaching centres and private tutors. In Japan, school uniforms, punctuality, and respect are highly valued. While Bangladesh also has school uniforms, the lack of discipline and punctuality is still evident.
Singapore’s education system is competitive, and their secondary exam, the GCE O-Level, is internationally recognized. The pass rate in Singapore is over 90%. Singaporean schools have a notable use of technology, with interactive boards and computer labs in every classroom. While Bangladesh is moving towards digitalization, internet access is still limited in rural areas. Singaporean schools have libraries and science labs in every institution. Bangladesh has seen some improvements in lab facilities, but some schools still lack equipment, while others have the equipment but lack skilled technicians. The United States does not have a central exam like the SSC. Students are graded based on class performance, and their pass rate is around 85%. Students in the U.S. can choose their subjects, and in Bangladesh, there is a choice of subjects as well, but the demands of the job market concern students.
In the US, extracurricular activities like sports, music, and arts are given equal importance, while in Bangladesh, such activities are overshadowed by exam pressures. In Germany, many students take vocational training after secondary school. Their education system is based on practical knowledge, and the pass rate is nearly 90%. In Germany, the student-teacher ratio is very low, with an average of 15-20 students per class. In Bangladesh, the number of students per class is much higher, making it difficult to ensure the quality of education. Bangladesh can learn a lot from the educational systems of developed countries. Teacher training must be improved, as only a good teacher can shape the future generations. The use of technology must be increased. Every school should be equipped with internet access and computer labs, which will improve the educational experience for students.
The writer is a Teacher, Cantonment Board High School, Shahid Salahuddin Cantonment, Ghatail, Tangail.
He can be reached at email: khandaker.apon@gmail.com