This year’s O-Level examinations have begun across the Maldives, with more than 8,000 students sitting for the IGCE O-Level and SSC examinations, according to the Ministry of Education.

The examinations are being conducted at a total of 267 centres nationwide. Of these, 21 centres are located in Malé City, while 246 centres have been established across the atolls. Ministry statistics show that 8,218 students are participating in this year’s examinations. The O-Level and SSC examinations are scheduled to continue until 6 March.

The Ministry noted that changes introduced to O-Level examination regulations in December 2023 are being applied for the current examination cycle. Under the revised policy, students preparing for O-Level examinations are required to sit for the exams in compulsory subjects, regardless of their performance in mock examinations.

The compulsory subjects are Islam, Dhivehi, English and Mathematics. Students are required to sit for a minimum of five subjects, including the four compulsory subjects. In addition, students enrolled in BTEC programmes are required to sit for one additional subject. Under the policy, examination fees for compulsory subjects are covered by the Government. 

The Ministry said the changes were introduced to encourage wider participation in national examinations and to support students in improving academic outcomes.