Nationwide O’Level and SSC exams begin with over 8,000 students sitting this year’s papers

The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and IGCSE/Cambridge O’Level examinations began nationwide on Sunday, with more than 8,000 students sitting this year’s exams.

According to the Department of Public Examinations (DPE), the exam period will run from Sunday until November 12. The department extended its well-wishes to all students sitting the examinations.

The Education Ministry said over 8,000 students are expected to take part in this year’s O/L cycle. A total of 8,111 students are sitting the O’Level/IGCSE exams, while 7,776 students will sit the SSC exams.

This year’s examinations are being conducted at 25 centres in Malé, accommodating 3,222 students, and 242 centres in the atolls, where 2,869 students will sit the exams.

Students began the exam cycle on Sunday with the SSC paper.

Last year, the government made four subjects compulsory for all students sitting the O/L examinations: Islam, Dhivehi, Mathematics and English. The government covers the exam fees for these compulsory subjects.