Education Minister Emphasizes Strict Oversight for High School Exams

Mohamed Abdel Latif, Egypt’s Minister of Education and Technical Education, convened a video conference meeting with directors of educational directorates across the country to finalize preparations for the General Secondary Education Certificate exams for the 2025-2026 academic year. The meeting aimed to ensure the readiness of examination committees, review organizational and security measures, and emphasize the precise execution of examination regulations.

Joining the minister were Dr. Ahmed El Mohammadi, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning and Follow-up; Major General Yousri Salem, Assistant Minister for Educational Buildings; Khaled Abdel Hakim, Ministerial Advisor for Examinations; and Ali Abdel Raouf, Head of the Central Administration for Educational Directorates.

At the outset of the meeting, Minister Abdel Latif highlighted that the high school exams represent a national responsibility that necessitates collaboration among all relevant entities involved in the examination process. He assured that the ministry would provide full support to educational directors in making decisions that uphold the law and ensure maximum discipline within examination halls, reflecting the strength and efficiency of Egypt’s education system.

The minister reiterated that the state places significant importance on high school examinations, emphasizing that maintaining high levels of discipline during exams is paramount. He firmly stated that there would be no leniency towards any violations or shortcomings that could disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations.

Additionally, he stressed the necessity of stringent inspection procedures before students enter examination halls and prohibited bringing mobile phones or any electronic devices that could potentially be used for cheating. He underscored that eliminating any attempts to undermine the examination system requires complete vigilance from all personnel involved in the examination process, with decisive actions taken without exceptions.

Moreover, he instructed educational directors to intensify monitoring activities within exam halls to ensure orderly conduct during examinations.

To streamline student entry into exam centers comprising multiple schools with several exam committees, he emphasized allocating separate entrances for each committee to facilitate student access and simplify inspection procedures.

The minister also highlighted the importance of clearing examination halls immediately after exams conclude, ensuring no student remains inside or around these areas. He noted that personnel responsible for managing student entry would also oversee their departure until all students have exited from the vicinity of the hall.

Regarding exam security measures, he confirmed that strict security protocols would be enforced at question distribution centers and during their transportation to examination venues to ensure comprehensive protection throughout the exam process.

Furthermore, he directed a review to ensure adequate availability of concept books for all subjects within exam halls and called for a swift assessment of available quantities in each educational directorate while addressing any additional needs before exams commence.

The meeting also addressed monitoring plans for a summer remedial program aimed at students struggling with reading and writing skills. The minister insisted on closely tracking targeted students in this initiative, stressing that it is unacceptable for any student to lack basic literacy skills and emphasizing a serious approach to tackling this issue.

He urged prompt submission of data regarding all operational schools not yet in service so they can be prepared for use in the upcoming academic year, which will help eliminate afternoon sessions for elementary stage students.

The minister further underscored the importance of early preparations for the next academic year by instructing educational directors to retrieve printed textbooks from ministry stores for distribution among educational administrations. He emphasized completing all necessary early arrangements related to the new academic year.