The Secondary Education Examination (SEE) began across Nepal on Thursday, with more than half a million students appearing for the country’s largest school-level test.
According to the National Examinations Board, a total of 512,421 students are taking part this year. Female students outnumber male candidates, with 257,613 girls compared to 254,801 boys, along with a small number of others.
Exams are being held at 1,966 centres across the country, starting daily at 8 am and running for three hours. The schedule began with compulsory English and will continue with core subjects including Nepali, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, followed by optional and technical stream papers until April 12.
This year, answer sheets will be graded at or near examination centres, marking a shift from previous years. Officials have directed that marking for each subject be completed within three days, with scores sent promptly for central verification.
The change is expected to speed up the results process, with authorities aiming to publish results within a month, possibly by mid-May. Earlier, the system of transporting answer sheets for external marking often delayed results by over two months.
Around 73,500 personnel, including invigilators and security staff, have been deployed. All examination materials have already reached the centres, and strict rules remain in place, including a ban on electronic devices.
The SEE continues to be a key milestone for students, shaping their academic paths ahead.