Challenging and fair seems to be today's verdict from Studies of Religion I and II teachers around the state.

One message today summed up many teachers' views:

"The girls have just emerged amidst much excitement. They were very happy with the exam and seemed to have no great difficulty with the questions.

"Some found the Multiple Choice a bit challenging but then it should be. Overall the response was very positive.

"Thank-you to you and your team for the concern and effort reflected in this exam."

Some specific comments about Section II included "seem to be good questions appropriate to the traditions" and "I think this is a successful way of rewarding more able students."

On the final section, "Section III questions all very fair. Like the use of the stem in each!"

Nearly 3000 more students finished their last HSC paper for 2010 today, taking the total to almost 14,000.