Lebanon Cancels National Exams

Lebanon’s Education Minister, Rima Karami, has announced the cancellation of official secondary school and technical baccalaureate examinations for the 2025–2026 academic year, citing ongoing security challenges that prevent the safe and equal organization of nationwide exams.

According to Lebanese media reports, students will instead be granted a passing certificate based on internal assessment results, provided they achieve a minimum score of 9.5.

Karami said security and military agencies are currently unable, under present conditions, to guarantee the secure and fair conduct of nationwide examinations. The decision reflects growing concerns over instability and logistical constraints affecting public institutions.

The announcement came as the Lebanese Cabinet convened at Baabda Palace under the presidency of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, alongside several ministers. The session followed a bilateral meeting between Aoun and Salam, during which they reviewed the country’s political situation and key national developments.

The Cabinet is also discussing routine administrative matters, proposed legislation, public sector appointments, and requests for participation in international conferences and meetings.

Earlier in the day, student groups staged a protest in central Beirut calling for the cancellation of the exams, highlighting mounting pressure on authorities over the issue.

The decision marks a significant disruption to Lebanon’s education system, as the country continues to grapple with broader political and security instability.