All set for 2025 G.C.E. A/L Examination: Over 340,000 Candidates to Sit for the Exam

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Examinations says that all arrangements have been finalized for the 2025 General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (G.C.E. A/L) Examination, which is scheduled to commence tomorrow the 10th of November.

The examination will continue until Friday, the 5th of December, and will be conducted at 2,362 examination centers established across the island.

A total of 340,525 candidates have qualified for this year’s examination, including 246,521 school candidates and 94,004 private candidates. 

In addition, 325 coordination centers and 32 regional collecting centers have been set up to ensure a smooth examination process.

Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari Liyanage said that examination papers have already been transported to all coordination centers, and all provinces are fully prepared for the examination.

She further stated that the examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. each day, and candidates are required to arrive at their respective centers one hour early. 

Candidates must be seated in their assigned places, with their index number visible, by 8:00 a.m. for the morning session. The afternoon session will begin at 1:00 p.m., except on Fridays when it will commence at 2:00 p.m.

Additionally, the Commissioner General reminded candidates that only the admission card, a valid identity card, and essential writing instruments such as pens and pencils must be taken into the examination hall. 

Ordinary wristwatches are allowed to check the time, but smartwatches and digital watches are strictly prohibited.

Candidates must also ensure that their faces and ears remain uncovered throughout the examination to prevent the use of communication devices. A 10-minute additional reading time will be provided for each three-hour paper.

Required identification documents

Candidates must bring their admission card bearing their signature and one of the following valid identification documents:

- National Identity Card (NIC)
- Valid driving license
- Valid passport

For candidates without a valid ID
Special provisions have been made for candidates who do not possess a valid identification document.

- School candidates may use two photographs attested by both their school principal and Zonal Education Director.
- Private candidates may present their Postal Identity Card, or alternatively, two attested photographs certified by the Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretary.

However, the Department of Examinations emphasized that the results of such candidates will only be released after an inquiry.

Disaster management measures
In preparation for possible natural disasters during the examination period, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has coordinated with the Department of Examinations to implement a special contingency program.

Students affected by disaster situations can seek assistance by contacting the hotline 117 or the Department of Examinations’ hotline 1911.

DMC Director Pradeep Kodippili said that the National Examination Emergency Operations Unit, operating from the DMC’s Emergency Operations Room, will provide coordination and support through the following numbers: 0113 668 026, 0113 668 032, 0113 668 087, and 0113 668 119.

The Department of Examinations urges all candidates to face the examination confidently and calmly.