The primary scholarship examination began today (15 April) across the country, marking its return after a 16-year gap.

The exams are being held from 15-18 April in 61 districts, while Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban will follow a revised schedule from 17-20 April due to the Baisabi festival.  

Examinations are held in Bangla, English, Mathematics, Bangladesh and Global Studies, and Primary Science, with the first three subjects carrying 100 marks each and the remaining two, taken in a single sitting, carrying 50 marks each.

All exams have a duration of two and a half hours, with an additional 30 minutes allocated for students with special needs. 

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued detailed guidelines for the examination. Scholarships will be awarded under two categories –talent pool and general –with equal distribution between boys and girls. Of the total recipients, 80% will be from government primary schools and 20% from private institutions.

Strict rules have been imposed to ensure discipline. Candidates must enter the exam hall with admit cards, while mobile phones, calculators and other electronic devices are prohibited. Students are not allowed to leave within the first hour, and any form of misconduct – including copying or exchanging papers – will lead to disqualification.

The scholarship examination was discontinued in 2009 following the introduction of the primary education completion exam.