File photo
Doha, Qatar: Director of the Student Assessment Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) Ibrahim Abdullah Rashid Al Muhannadi has said that the Ministry has completed all preparations for the final examinations of the second semester of the 2025-2026 academic year, which are scheduled to begin tomorrow (Thursday).
Preparations included the development of examination questions according to approved procedures and standards, their review and approval, printing and distribution of exam papers, and the preparation of examination centres and committees to ensure full readiness to receive students.
In exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Muhannadi said that the number of Grade 12 students registered for the second-semester examinations this year reached 16,487 students across various educational tracks. He noted that the examinations will be conducted at 87 centres, including 43 centres for boys, 41 centres for girls, and three mixed centres. These centres comprise a total of 818 examination committees.
The examination process will be supervised by 4,406 staff members, including committee heads, invigilators, supervisors, and administrative personnel.
He explained that the Student Assessment Department conducted a comprehensive survey of secondary school students before the examinations, with the aim of involving them in improving procedures and identifying the main challenges they face.
He added that the survey covered several areas, including the clarity of instructions, the usefulness of orientation sessions, the suitability of examination schedules, revision resources, levels of exam-related anxiety, psychological needs, and the support required from parents. It also gathered students’ opinions regarding grading procedures and opportunities for improving their overall academic averages.
Al Muhannadi revealed notable findings from the survey with 1,112 students emphasising the importance of not spreading rumours during exams, while 1,286 stressed the need to avoid intimidating or alarming classmates. A further 1,741 students indicated that the diversity of correct answers during grading provides them with the greatest sense of security. Additionally, 921 students considered thorough review and verification of grades to be a key factor in ensuring confidence in the results.
Al Muhannadi stressed that there is no such thing as an impossibly difficult exam, explaining that all examinations are designed according to clear standards that assess different levels of students’ cognitive depth. He noted that many exams which some students describe as difficult actually record high pass rates and strong achievement levels.
He added that the examination development process undergoes multiple reviews and rigorous verification stages to ensure quality and compliance with approved educational standards. He also emphasized that student well-being and psychological stability are important considerations when preparing examination schedules and organizing the overall examination process.
The Director of the Student Assessment Department further affirmed that the Ministry implements a precise system to ensure fairness in grading and accuracy in results. He explained that graders study the answer keys in detail before marking begins, and that any additional correct answer identified during the grading process is communicated to all marking committees to ensure that every student receives the full marks they deserve.
