Dhaka: The government has decided to reduce the number of subjects and marks in the Junior School Certificate (JSC) and Junior Dakhil Certificate (JDC) examinations.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Curriculum Coordination Committee(NCCC) held at the Secretariat on Thursday, said Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Sohrab Hossain.

‘Education board chairmen’s organisation Inter-education Board Coordination Subcommittee has recommended reducing marks by 200 in the two public examinations each. We’ve decided to implement the suggestions,’ he said.

Previously, two exams were used to be held for Bangla 1st and 2nd papers and English 1st and 2nd papers each for 150 marks in the JSC exam, the secretary said.

Besides, 100 marks of the fourth subject will be revoked, he said, adding that the marks will be given based on regular class assessment.

For a total of 650 marks, JSC students will have to sit for seven tests while JDC students will appear at nine tests for 850 marks.

Exams of other subjects—Math, Religion, Science, Bangladesh and Biswa Porichoy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) -- will be held like previous years.

‘We’re trying to reduce the burden on students. The syllabus will be modified accordingly,’ Sohrab said.

About multiple choice question method, the secretary said no decision was taken to abolish it.