Desk News || The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations for 2026 are set to begin on July 2. Ahead of the examinations, the Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has issued guidelines regarding entry to examination centres, the use of calculators and wristwatches, and the operation of a control room for emergency communication.The directives were announced in three separate notices published on the board's website on Wednesday (June 17), signed by Controller of Examinations Professor Jesmin Taslima Banu.In one notice, the board instructed authorities to open the gates of examination centres at 8:30 am to ease traffic congestion and reduce inconvenience for candidates. It said only examinees should be allowed to enter the centre premises from 8:30 am, while the previously issued instructions regarding entry into examination halls will remain in force.Another notice outlined the approved scientific calculators and guidelines on wristwatch use. According to the board, candidates may use regular calculators as well as the following eight models of non-programmable scientific calculators: FX-82MS, FX-100MS, FX-570MS, FX-991MS, FX-991EX, FX-991ES, FX-991ES Plus, and FX-991CW.Candidates will also be allowed to wear analogue (non-programmable) wristwatches inside examination centres, the notice said.In a separate notice, the board announced the opening of a control room for the duration of the HSC and equivalent examinations. It requested candidates and stakeholders to contact the board in case of any problems, information exchange, or emergencies.The board can be reached via telephone at 02-223369815 or on mobile numbers 01550411203, 01714994073, and 01756103152. Queries may also be sent via email to [controller@dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd](mailto:controller@dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd).