The Ministry of Education and Technical Education has finalized the schedule for the 2026 General Secondary Certificate examinations, with tests set to begin on Sunday, June 21. For students following the new curriculum, the first exam—religious education and national guidance—will take place on June 21, followed by a second foreign language on June 23, Arabic language on June 28, and science or humanities subjects through July 16. Students under the old system will also begin on June 21, with exams concluding on July 16 for both tracks.
Exam Schedule and Curriculum Alignment for 2026 Secondary Certificate Tests
According to Ministry of Education sources, the 2026 exam schedule was officially approved by Minister of Education and Technical Education, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, on April 14, 2026. The minister emphasized that the new exam specifications and question formats will remain consistent with those of the previous year, ensuring continuity and fairness for all 1.5 million candidates nationwide. The ministry has also confirmed that the new curriculum, introduced in 2025, will be fully aligned with the exam structure, with no changes to core subject requirements for Arabic, Physics, and Mathematics.
Release of Practice Models and Preparation Resources for Students
The Ministry of Education has released around seven practice models per subject for both Arabic and foreign language streams, covering all core disciplines. According to ministry sources, approximately 30% of the final exam questions will be drawn directly from these models, giving students a significant opportunity to prepare effectively. The practice models are available for download via the ministry’s official portal, and students are strongly encouraged to review them as part of their exam preparation.
Minister Abdel Latif announced on February 3, 2026, that the practice models would be made available to students ahead of the exams, marking the first time the ministry has provided such extensive guidance materials. The models were developed in collaboration with subject matter experts and educators from across Egypt, including Dr. Ahmed Al-Jundi, Head of the Curriculum Development Unit, and Prof. Mena Gerges, a senior education consultant. The ministry has also released a concepts booklet containing basic rules and laws for core subjects, which will be distributed to all students before the exam period.
Transparency Initiatives and Logistical Updates for Exam Administration
In a recent announcement on May 26, 2026, the ministry clarified that the practice models and concepts booklet are part of a broader initiative to enhance transparency and reduce exam-related stress. Abdul Rahman Ahmed, a reporter for Al-Masry Al-Youm, noted that the models have been updated to reflect the latest educational reforms, including a reduction in core subjects and an extension of the school week to six days, as reported by Egypt Today.
The Ministry of Education has announced that seating numbers for the 2026 General Secondary Certificate exams will be available starting June 2, 2026, and can be accessed online through the ministry’s designated platform. This move aligns with the ministry’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in exam administration. Students are advised to check their seating numbers and exam locations promptly to avoid last-minute complications.
The ministry has also clarified that exam committees and their respective locations will be published in the coming days, ensuring that all candidates are aware of where and when they will be taking their exams. In a statement on May 15, 2026, the ministry confirmed that it will apply a new “gathering system” for the first time during the 2026 exams. This system aims to ensure the integrity and security of the exam process by pre-assembling exam committees and materials at designated centers before the exam dates. The gathering system was described by Yousef Al-Khuli, a reporter for Ekhbary News, as a measure to prevent last-minute logistical issues and ensure the smooth distribution of exam papers.
Expanded Preparation Materials and Student Support Measures
According to Ali Shaqran, a journalist for Ekhbary News, the ministry has also released 10 sample exams for every subject within the high school curriculum, in addition to the seven practice models. These samples, released on May 28, 2026, are intended to provide students with a broader range of questions and formats, further increasing their preparedness. The ministry has emphasized that the sample exams will not be repeated verbatim in the final exams but are designed to help students understand the expected question styles and difficulty levels.
In terms of exam logistics, the ministry has stated that seating numbers will be published on June 2, 2026, and exam centers will be announced shortly thereafter. Students are encouraged to verify their information through the ministry’s official website to avoid any confusion. The ministry has also announced that it will provide a helpline for students and parents to address any queries or concerns related to seating, exam locations, or other logistical issues.
As the exam period approaches, students are urged to stay updated on official announcements from the Ministry of Education. The ministry has reiterated its commitment to providing all necessary resources, including seating numbers, exam schedules, and practice materials, to ensure a smooth and fair examination process.
For students preparing for the exams, the release of seating numbers and the availability of practice models mark critical steps in their final review phase. The ministry’s emphasis on the alignment of exam questions with practice materials underscores the importance of these resources in achieving success in the 2026 General Secondary Certificate examinations. Dr. Ahmed Al-Jundi and other ministry officials have stressed that the new measures are designed to foster a fair and transparent exam environment, reflecting the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve the educational system.
Sources:
According to the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, as reported by اليوم السابع, المصري اليوم, مصراوي, Ekhbary News, and the official announcements of June 1, 2026, including statements from Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif, Dr. Ahmed Al-Jundi, and independent journalists Abdul Rahman Ahmed, Mena Gerges, Yousef Al-Khuli, and Ali Shaqran.
