KATHMANDU: The Secondary Education Examination (SEE) commenced on Thursday, marking the beginning of a significant journey for thousands of students across Nepal.

With a staggering participation of 504,414 students hailing from 10,806 schools, this year's SEE is poised to be a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Nepal's young minds.

Among the examinees, there is a diverse representation, with 250,772 females, 253,627 males, and 15 individuals identifying as sexual and gender minorities.

To facilitate this monumental undertaking, a network of 2,064 exam centers has been established, ensuring accessibility for students across various regions. Notably, Kathmandu boasts the highest concentration of centers at 127, while remote districts like Manang and Mustang host one center each.

In a remarkable display of inclusivity, an exam center has been set up in Japan, anticipating the participation of 23 students from abroad.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of 77,485 human resources has been mobilized to oversee the smooth administration of the examination, reflecting the collective commitment to education.

Here, we present a glimpse of the unfolding narrative captured through the lens of Ratopati Photojournalist Krishna Khadka: