[57471] Iraqi Ministry of Education updates requirements for academic 'acceleration' for 2026

[57471] Iraqi Ministry of Education updates requirements for academic 'acceleration' for 2026

The Iraqi Ministry of Education publishes new regulations for acceleration exams

The Iraqi Ministry of Education has announced an official update to the criteria for participation in 'Accelerated Learning' exams for the 2025–2026 academic year. The stated goal of the move, as reported by the Iraqi Ministry of Education, is to "support outstanding students and provide broader opportunities for continuing their academic path in accordance with standards that honor scientific excellence."

According to a report in the Official Student Channel of Iraq, the admission threshold for acceleration exams for 5th-grade elementary and 2nd-grade intermediate students has been updated to an average grade of 97 (instead of 98), with no rounding of fractions. For 5th-grade science students, the new regulation allows participation for those who achieved an average of 93 in one or two subjects, provided that the average of the other subjects is not less than 96, as also published on Nimar Ibn Al-Anbar.

As a supplementary measure, the Ministry decided to exempt candidates from the age requirement for the current academic year. The relief applies to students who enrolled at age 5 as well as those who enrolled at age 7, with the aim of "supporting promising energies and encouraging early scientific talents" (according to the Iraqi Ministry of Education).

The Ministry of Education called on all students and their parents to contact the General Directorate of Education to complete the registration procedures and verify their compliance with the remaining conditions. The deadline for submitting documents has been set for Tuesday, May 19, 2026.