Patna: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) began the Intermediate annual examinations on February 2 with tight security and uncompromising entry rules, barring students who arrived late at centres across the state.
On the first day, the morning shift featured Biology and Philosophy papers, while the second shift was held for Economics for Arts and Commerce streams. In line with board regulations, the main gates of all examination centres were closed 30 minutes before the scheduled start time, a rule repeatedly announced through loudspeakers. Students were allowed to enter centres up to an hour before the exam began.
Officials said the gates would not be reopened under any circumstances once the cut-off time had passed. As a result, several candidates who reached centres late were denied entry, including some in the capital during the second shift.
The board clarified that students who missed any paper for any reason would still be eligible to appear in a special examination scheduled for April, with results expected in May. The ongoing Intermediate examinations will continue until February 13.
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According to the timetable, the first-shift examinations were held from 9.30am to 12.45pm, while the second shift ran from 1.30pm to 5.15pm. Today, the first shift will include Mathematics for Science and Arts students, while the second shift will see Political Science for Arts students and the Foundation Course for vocational candidates.
Attendance figures from Patna district reflected high participation despite the strict enforcement. In the first shift, 26,727 of 27,119 registered candidates appeared for the exams, recording an attendance rate of 98.55%, with 392 absentees. In the second shift, 6,808 of 7,006 students were present, marking 97.17% attendance, while 198 students were absent.
Board officials said the measures were necessary to ensure fairness, discipline and the smooth conduct of examinations, urging students to strictly adhere to reporting times on the remaining days.
