Following Monday’s first Physics exam, a wave of concern swept through HSC candidates. That evening, education boards responded with a promise that should quell most of the anxiety: if the two disputed questions are proven to be incorrect, the students will receive the highest possible grade.
The controversy began immediately after the exam on Monday, July 13. Questions 6 and 7 of the creative reasoning (srijonshil) section of the first Physics exam drew objections, with students and teachers pointing out alleged errors and inconsistencies. The criticism quickly spread across social media and other platforms.
What the Board Said
The Dhaka Board of Education confirmed it was aware of the issue and was reviewing the two questions as a top priority. On Monday evening, the Inter-Education Board’s Examination Control Committee issued a public statement addressing the matter directly.
The committee’s statement included two clear assurances. First, if the review reveals any errors or inconsistencies in the questions, students’ interests will be fully protected in accordance with standard examination assessment policy. Second—and this is most important for any concerned candidates—if necessary, the two questions will be given the maximum mark.
The statement also emphasized that test takers will not be penalized in any way by the issue with the exam.
What This Means for Students
If you sat the Physics first paper on Monday and struggled with questions 6 or 7, here is the practical takeaway:
- You do not need to do anything. The review is happening at the board level; no application or complaint from individual students is required.
- Your answer script is safe. Evaluation follows the board’s standard policy, which has established procedures for flawed questions.
- Worst case is covered. If the errors are confirmed, the affected questions will be marked in a way that protects you — up to and including full marks.
Exam-day question disputes are stressful, but the board addressing it publicly on the same night is a good sign. Students should now shift their focus to the next papers instead of replaying Monday’s exam.
The Bigger Exam Picture
The first Physics, Accounting, and Logic exams were held on Monday by the General Examination Boards. HSC and equivalent exams are proceeding as normal nationwide, with one exception: the Chittagong board, where exams remain postponed due to heavy rains and flooding. New dates will be announced soon.
The next exams this week are scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, and Thursday, July 16, so candidates should keep up with their preparation.
What Happens Next?
The review of the two Physics questions is underway. Once the tribunals have finalized their review, the decision—including the application of the maximum mark—will be reflected in the assessment process. Rising Barta will report the outcome of the review as soon as the tribunals announce it, so stay tuned for all the latest updates on HSC 2026.
