O-LEVEL EXAMS
Qualifications for entry into UK higher and further education
WHAT IS THE GCE/IGCSE?
The GCE is one of the most internationally recognized qualifications. You can take this qualification at the Ordinary (O) or the Advanced (A) levels, depending on what you need it for and the course you intend to follow. The Ordinary level has been replaced by GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in UK schools; however, it is still available to international students. We advise you to take a preparation course that specifically follows a syllabus if you want to take either of these exams.
WHAT IS AN O-LEVEL?
An O-level is a standard qualification in the UK, usually taken at the age of fifteen/sixteen. You can take any number of O-levels, depending on the qualifications that your chosen institution asks for. Most students in UK schools take up to nine O-levels after studying for two to three years in their chosen subjects.
O levels exams are often required as predecessors to A levels and by many employers as a minimum qualification for employment. A level exams are the minimum entrance qualification required by UK universities
CAN I TAKE AN O-LEVEL?
In Bangladesh, some schools follow the GCE syllabus to prepare their pupils for taking O level exams. If you attend one of these schools, you should enquire at the school about how you can register and sit for the exams. If you do not attend a school that follows the GCE syllabus, you can still take O level exams and can register as a private individual with the British Council.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN REGISTRATION?
In order to register for an O level exam as a private individual you will need to complete an Entry Form which will become available at the British Council offices in Dhaka and Chittagong, and at our enquiry point in Sylhet. It will also be available at any Standard Chartered Bank in Bangladesh and on this website.
Forms usually become available for January examinations in early August of the preceding year. For May/June examinations, they are available in early December of the preceding year.
Prior to completing the form, you should read the Registration Instructions, which will become available at the same time as the Entry Form.
The submission dates for entries are specified on the entry form. For Edexcel exams, it is normally the first two weeks of September for January examinations and the first two weeks of December for the May/June examinations. For CIE exams, it is normally January for the May/June exams and July for November exams.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Examination fees can vary according to the examination board and subject. On average you will need to pay Taka 5000 per subject you take. Details of the exact fee will be given on the Entry Form and accompanying instructions.
Fees are payable in Taka and can be paid at any Standard Chartered Bank in Bangladesh.
Examination fees paid cannot be transferred from one examination session to another. The full fees are payable for each separate examination session.
REGISTRATION LATE ENTRIES
Late entries are accepted only in exceptional cases for valid reasons, and candidates are subject to late fees. It is entirely at the discretion of the Overseas Authority and Edexcel to accept a late entry or the addition of a subject or subjects to an entry already made. Requests for late or additional entries must be made in writing with a full account of the circumstances to the Examinations Manager, the British Council, Dhaka.
REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES
GCE support materials are available on CD for purchase from the Examinations Services counter of any of our British Council offices. The CD includes O and A Level past question papers, mark schemes and examiner reports. Information on regulations and syllabuses are can be found on the exam board websites of Edexcel and Cambridge International Examinations.
A-LEVEL EXAMS
WHAT Is An A-LEVEL?
An A-level is an Advanced level GCE qualification. This exam is normally taken after two years of A-level study, and after you have taken your O-level exams. You can take any number of A-levels; and will often depend on the qualifications that your chosen institution has asked for. In the UK, many college students take three or four A-levels for their final two years of study. Find out more from our School Information booklet.
WHY SHOULD I TAKE AN A-LEVEL?
Good A-level results can give you access to undergraduate studies at some of the best higher education learning institutions in the world. A-level qualifications can also give you access to professional and vocational courses.
WHAT SUBJECTS CAN I TAKE?
We offer a wide range of Edexcel and CIE exams. However, some exams require special facilities or an accredited examiner, which we cannot provide. Please contact us for an updated list of the subjects we currently offer.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
In Bangladesh, some schools follow the GCE syllabus to prepare their pupils for taking A level exams. If you attend one of these schools, you should enquire at the school about how you can register and sit for the exams. If you do not attend a school that follows the GCE syllabus, you can still take A level exams and can register as a private individual with the British Council.
In order to register for an A level exam you will need to complete an entry forms which will become available at the British Council offices in Dhaka and Chittagong, and at our enquiry point in Sylhet. It will also be available at any Standard Chartered Bank in Bangladesh and on this website.
Form usually becomes available for January examinations in early August of the preceding year. For May/June examinations, they are available in early December of the preceding year.
Prior to completing the form you should read the Registration Instructions which will become available at the same time as the Entry Form. The submission dates for entries are specified on the entry form. For Edexcel exams, it is normally the first two weeks of September for January examinations and the first two weeks of December for the May/June examinations. For CIE exams, it is normally January for the May/June exams and July for November exams.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Examination fees vary according to the board, subject and numbers of subjects being taken. Typically the cost per subject ranges from 5,000 Taka to 12,000 Taka. Details of the exact fee will be given on the Entry Form and accompanying instructions. Fees are payable in Taka and can be paid at any Standard Chartered Bank in Bangladesh. Examination fees paid cannot be transferred from one examination session to another. The full fees are payable for each separate examination session.
REGISTRATION LATE ENTRIES
Late entries are accepted only in exceptional cases for valid reasons, and candidates are subject to late fees. It is entirely at the discretion of the Overseas Authority and EDEXCEL to accept a late entry or the addition of a subject or subjects to an entry already made. Requests for late or additional entries must be made in writing with a full account of the circumstances to the Examinations Manager, the British Council, Dhaka.
REGULATIONS AND SYLLABUSES
GCE support materials are available on CD for purchase from the Examinations Services counter of any of our British Council offices. The CD includes O and A Level past question papers, mark schemes and examiner reports. Information on regulations and syllabuses can be found on exam board websites Edexcel and Cambridge International Examinations.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Contact our exams team for more information and advice on A level exams and other UK qualifications you can talk with us.