Kathmandu: The Secondary Education Examination (SEE) has commenced simultaneously across Nepal from today, with authorities introducing stricter guidelines to ensure a more transparent,  and efficient process.

According to Examination Controller Tukraj Adhikari, the exam began at 8:00 AM at designated centers nationwide. A total of 512,421 students are appearing this year, including 441,566 regular candidates and 70,855 seeking grade improvement. Among them, 257,613 are female and 254,801 are male, while 23 students are taking the exam from a center in Japan.

For the smooth conduct of the examination, the National Examination Board has set up 1,966 examination centers across the country, covering students from 11,379 secondary schools. Each center has been equipped with necessary personnel, including police officers, a center head, assistant head, inspectors, and administrative staff based on the number of examinees.

This year, special measures have been introduced to improve efficiency. The board has directed that answer sheet evaluation must be completed within a maximum of three days after the exams conclude. Mark slips are to be sealed and submitted to the respective Education Development and Coordination Units. Additionally, results will be published at the provincial level to speed up the process.

To strengthen security and maintain fairness, strict rules have been enforced. Examiners and verifiers are required to evaluate answer sheets at designated centers, and electronic devices such as mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside examination halls. Wherever possible, exams are being conducted in rooms equipped with CCTV, and answer sheets cannot be taken خارج under any circumstances.

Authorities have also warned of strict action against negligence, including salary deductions and departmental measures. In response to past complaints about excessive monitoring disrupting students, mass monitoring has been completely banned this year. Instead, monitoring responsibility has been assigned to a committee led by the Chief District Officer.

The examination began with the compulsory English subject today and will continue with other subjects until Chaitra 29.