BHAKTAPUR: Grade XII board exams, which were earlier postponed following the massive earthquake of April 25, began today.

The exams are being conducted only in 68 districts in the first phase, as per a decision taken by the Higher Secondary Education Board. Exams in seven districts — Nuwakot, Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Gorkha, Dhading, Ramechhap, and Dolakha — worst hit by the earthquake will be conducted at a later date.

According to Santosh Kumar Aryal, Acting Examination Controller, HSEB, today’s exams were conducted in peaceful and decent manner in all the districts.

Grade XII students today sat for Compulsory English paper at 846 exam centres. A total of 384,413 students — 185,124 boys and 199,289 girls — are appearing in the Grade XII board exam in 68 districts.

“Of the total students in the Kathmandu Valley, 98 per cent students were present in the exam halls this morning,” said Aryal, adding, “The number of students was more than expected.”

HSEB had urged exam centres to conduct the exams on the ground floor and first floor only. Places where exam centres lacked classroom, exams were conducted in makeshift tents.

“As aftershocks have continued, all concerned were directed to arrange examination on the first and second floors only and even in open spaces (makeshift tents),” said Aryal. “We have not received any complaints from students or guardians so far,” he added.

According to the Office of the Controller of Examinations, a total of 846 exam superintendents, 1,069 assistant superintendents, 913 observers, 9,761 invigilators, 846 officials, 1,692 office assistants and 10,998 security personnel have been deployed for the exam. The exams will conclude on June 14.

In numbers
> 68: Districts where exam is being conducted
> 7: Districts worst hit by the quake where exam will be conducted at a later date
> 384,413: Number of students appearing in the exam
> 846: Number of exam centres
> 10,998: Number of security personnel deployed for the exam
> 98: Per cent of students who sat for the exam in the Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday

source: the himalayan times, 4 june 2015