Kathmandu, Nepal, April 2, 2026: The Secondary Education Examination (SEE), traditionally dubbed the "Iron Gate" of the Nepali schooling system, commenced smoothly today at 8:00 AM across 1,966 designated centers nationwide. This year’s examinations are marked by a significant shift toward digital integration and a stricter code of conduct for both candidates and evaluators.
According to the Office of the Controller of Examinations (Class 10), a total of 512,421 students are participating in this year’s cycle. Of these, 441,566 are regular candidates, while 70,855 are appearing for grade increments. In a continuing demographic trend, female candidates (257,613) outnumber their male counterparts (254,801). Notably, the examination’s reach extends beyond borders, with 23 students appearing from a center in Japan.
Zero Tolerance for "Group Monitoring"
In a move to prioritize the mental well-being and concentration of students, the National Examination Board (NEB) has strictly prohibited "group monitoring." Previously, large delegations from various political and social organizations frequently entered exam halls under the guise of inspection, which was found to be disruptive.
"We have received numerous complaints regarding the disturbance caused by unauthorized groups. This year, only authorized committees led by the respective Chief District Officers (CDOs) will be permitted to monitor the proceedings," stated Controller Tukaraj Adhikari.
Minister Pokhrel Pushes for 30-Day Result Timeline
Education Minister Sasmit Pokhrel has introduced an ambitious "Fast-Track" plan to publish results within one month of the final exam. This initiative aims to reduce the prolonged period of academic uncertainty that students typically face before enrolling in Grade 11.
To support this goal, the SEE Management and Answer-Sheet Evaluation Directive, 2082 has introduced several high-tech measures:
Digital Entry: Answer-sheet scores will be uploaded via tablets immediately after marking, bypassing traditional manual ledger entries.
Rapid Evaluation: Evaluators are mandated to complete the marking process within three days of receiving the answer scripts.
Surveillance: Evaluation centers are required to install CCTV cameras in marking rooms to ensure transparency and prevent malpractice.
Strict Professional Accountability
The new directive also targets administrative integrity. Evaluators found guilty of negligence, such as allowing unauthorized personnel to mark papers or failing to meet the required teaching qualifications, will face departmental action, including the deduction of remuneration or removal from the examiners' roster. Furthermore, the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets is strictly prohibited inside the evaluation halls.
Security Deployment
To maintain law and order, a robust security grid has been established. Each center is manned by a team of 15 police personnel. The administrative ratio remains fixed at one invigilator for every 20 students and one office assistant for every 100 students.
The examinations are scheduled to conclude on April 12 (Chaitra 29). As students from 11,379 schools across the country sit for these papers, the government has appealed to the public to maintain a peaceful environment around the examination zones.
