Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 14 (UNI) Over 5 lakh students, including 2.3 lakh girls, sat for the Kerala Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination, which began here today.

Elaborate arrangements had been made for the conduct of the examination in a foolproof manner. Police were posted at the centres where the question papers were kept.

Along with the SSLC examinations, the Higher Secondary Examination also began today, in which around four lakh students would appear.

It was for the first time that grading system was being introduced in Higher Secondary examination.

The examinations were being conducted in 2,712 examination centres, including 16 in the Gulf region and nine in the Lakshadweep islands. Eleven prisoners, including ten life convicts, appeared for the examination from Kannur Central Prison. Another eight prisoners would also appear for the Plus Two examination.

While a total of 4.5 lakh candidates have registered in the school going category, the number of students appearing for the second time was 31,825. Another 14,591 candidates would appear as private candidates.

The examinations would conclude on March 27.

UNI