BHAKTAPUR: The Higher School Leaving Certificate Examination (SLCE) of Grade XII has started across the nation from today. The examination conducted by the National Education Board (NEB) took off peacefully at 7:00 am this morning at 1,051 exam centres across the country, said NEB's Exam Controller, Dambar Batas. Of the total number of centres, 114 centres fall in Kathmandu which is the highest, while Manang and Mustang have the lowest number of centres with one centre in each district. A total of 415,252 students — 208,276 male students and 206,975 female students — from 3,912 schools across the country are appearing for the exams. The grade 12 exams will run until May 10 followed by grade 11 exams starting on May 13 and concluding on June 12. According to Durga Aryal, Member Secretary of NEB, preparations have been made to publish the results within 90 days of conclusion of the exams. Meanwhile, those found violating the exam discipline may face up to six months in prison and a fine of Rs 100,000.