The forthcoming matriculation examination will beconducted in  69 centres in Rakhine State, whereas the same was organisedin 128 exam centres during 2022.

The transition to a new system in 2023 had led tofewer students and thus the number of exam centres reduced to 60. This yearonly 69 centres will be available for the important examinations.

"Primarily, the centres will be consolidatedwithin towns for convenience. But several towns under the control of the ArakanArmy (AA) will not host any centres," said an education departmentofficer.

He added that the matriculation examination will notbe conducted in Paletwa, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Pauktaw, Ramree, Myebon andMa-Ei townships.

The parents opined that the military situation in Rakhine State has decreasedthe chances of students passing the examination under the new system.

The matriculation examination this year will begin on 11 March. But  dueto the military tension in several Rakhine townships, a large number ofstudents will miss the examination.

"As the conflict continues, the Rakhine pupilsface a lot of difficulties and  even the guardians remain reluctant toallow their children to participate in the examination. Meanwhile, many school buildings have been damaged. A large number of villagers even lefttheir places,” said a parent.

A student from Rathedaung while talking to NarinjaraNews expressed his reluctance to participate in the upcoming examination underthe new system citing the fierce fighting and battles in the  Rakhineregion.

"I don't want to sit for the examination amidstintense gun fighting. Moreover, the junta has restricted road communication.Even if we were willing to sit the examination, how would the parents manageit?" asked the student.

Narinjara News tried to contact Rakhine Stateeducation officer U Ba Htwe Sein by telephone for details, but could not reachhim.

There are over 3,000 basic education schools inRakhine State, but thousands of those in Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Minbya,Mrauk-U, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Ma-Ei and Ramree townships remainclosed due to the conflicts.

Last year, Ba Htwe Sein revealed that in 2022, over41,000 students sat for the examination.

Next year the number reduced to 19,165. In 2023, 9,964students from Rakhine State passed the matriculation examination.