This year’s A-Level examinations began today with 4,973 students sitting the exams across the Maldives.

The Education Ministry said 3,284 students are sitting the A-Level examinations in the Male' area, while 1,357 students are taking the HSC Edexcel examinations.

Outside Malé, 1,689 students are sitting the A-Level examinations and 906 are taking the HSC examinations, according to the ministry.

The examinations are being held at 53 centres nationwide; four in Male' and 49 in the atolls.

The examinations will run from today until October 30.

In a social media post marking the start of the examinations, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said higher secondary education is an important stage in students’ futures, particularly in choosing a field of higher education. He wished students success in their examinations.

President Muizzu said he hoped students’ hard work and preparation would be rewarded with good results that would make the country proud.

The government is working to increase the number of students studying at A-Level.

As part of these efforts, the government has reopened the CHSE building, a long-established A-Level school in Male'. Admission criteria for grades 11 and 12 have also been relaxed to give more students the opportunity to study at A-Level.

In addition to existing schools, 12 new schools began offering A-Level education last year.