Karwar (DHNS): As many as 18,382 SSLC students including 8,930 from Karwar Education District and 9,238 from Sirsi Education District appeared for their first paper across the district on Friday.

A total of 32 students from Karwar Education District and 36 from Sirsi remained absent.

Private candidates

This apart, 300 students wrote the exams as private candidates in two centres set up at St Micheal High School in Karwar and At Anthony High School in Sirsi.

Around 70 physically-challenged students appeared for the exams in Karwar district and 110 in Sirsi along with the assistance of over 10 helpers.