2025 G.C.E. O/L Exams Kick Off Today: Over 450,000 Candidates Head to Exam Centers

COLOMBO (News `1st): The G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination for the year 2025 officially commences today across Sri Lanka. 

A total of 451,463 candidates are sitting for the examination this year, including 382,249 school candidates.

The examination will be conducted across 3,545 centers island-wide.

According to the Department of Examinations, students are advised to be present at their examination centers one hour early.

The Commissioner General of Examinations, Indika Liyanage has urged candidates to pay close attention to the examination timetable, as the sequence of subjects has been modified compared to previous years.

She further clarified that valid identity documents for the examination include the National Identity Card, a valid driving licence, or a valid passport, and that these must be brought on all examination days.

She added that if a candidate still does not have an identity document, school applicants may bring two photographs certified by their school principal, while private applicants may bring two certified photographs from their Grama Niladhari. 

She confirmed that they can be used as a temporary ID. However, before results are released, the Department will summon such candidates for verification.

Items prohibited inside the examination hall include mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, notes, correction fluid and similar materials. 

Candidates must write the correct index number on every answer script and provide answers clearly.

If an error is made, they should strike through it with a single line and write the answer again.

Meanwhile, special examination centres have been set up for students with special needs in Ratmalana, Tangalle, Matara, Chilaw, Maharagama Apeksha Hospital, and Jaffna Kaithady Nafeer Special School. 

For candidates in prison, Wataraka Sunitha Vidyalaya has been designated as the examination centre.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has confirmed that all necessary arrangements are in place to handle any emergency or disaster situations that may arise during the exam period.

The DMC and several supporting agencies will be on standby, along with dedicated telephone numbers for urgent updates:

117,
0113 66 8020,
0113 66 8100,
0113 66 8013,
0113 66 8010.

The Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Railway Department are prepared to offer special transportation services for candidates and examination staff. 

Special security arrangements will be in place around examination centres.