Primary Education Completion Certificate (PECE) Examination in Bangladesh
The Primary Education Completion Certificate (PECE) was a pivotal national examination in Bangladesh. Administered by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, this assessment served as a benchmark for students nearing the completion of their fifth year in primary school, ensuring a standardized measure of academic achievement across the country.
History and Implementation
Introduced in 2009 by the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh, the PECE was designed to evaluate the learning outcomes of primary students. For over a decade, it functioned as the primary exit exam for the fifth grade, marking the transition from primary to secondary education.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Transition to a New Curriculum
The landscape of primary assessment shifted significantly in recent years. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the PECE examinations were not held in 2020 and 2022. Following these disruptions, the government announced that the test would be scrapped entirely to make way for a new national curriculum.
Reintroduction of Scholarship Exams
While the PECE was phased out, the government reintroduced scholarship examinations for Class 5 students starting in 2022, ending a 13-year hiatus. This initiative aims to reward academic excellence and provide financial support to deserving students.
Under the current system, at least 10 percent of fifth graders in every school nationwide are eligible to participate in these scholarship exams. Successful candidates are categorized into two tiers of financial assistance, which continue until the student completes Grade 8.
- Talent-pool stipend: Recipients receive Tk 300 per month.
- General stipend: Recipients receive Tk 225 per month.
Key Facts
- Administering Body: Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.
- Introduction Year: 2009.
- Target Group: Students at the end of their fifth year of primary school.
- Status: Scrapped in favor of a new curriculum.
- Scholarship Eligibility: Minimum of 10% of students per school.
- Stipend Duration: Provided until the completion of Grade 8.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Former National Exam | Primary Education Completion Certificate (PECE) |
| Reason for Cancellation | Pandemic disruptions and new curriculum implementation |
| Scholarship Reintroduction | 2022 |
| Talent-pool Stipend Amount | Tk 300 / month |
| General Stipend Amount | Tk 225 / month |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the PECE examination?
The PECE was a national examination administered by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education for students finishing their fifth year of primary school to certify their completion of primary education.
Why was the PECE examination scrapped?
The examination was cancelled in 2020 and 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and subsequently scrapped by the government to accommodate the introduction of a new curriculum.
Who is eligible for the new Class 5 scholarship exams?
At least 10 percent of fifth-grade students in every school across Bangladesh are eligible to take part in the scholarship examinations.
How much money do scholarship recipients receive?
Students who qualify for the talent-pool stipend receive Tk 300 per month, while those receiving the general stipend receive Tk 225 per month.
How long do students receive the scholarship stipends?
The stipends are provided to the qualifying students until they complete Grade 8.