Iraq lowers entry exam threshold for gifted middle schools to 93%

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education has reduced the minimum passing score for the competitive entrance exam to gifted middle schools from 95% to 93%, according to Ali Garkan al-Delfi, a member of parliament from the State of National Forces Alliance who serves on the Parliamentary Education Commission. The decision follows appeals from parents of sixth-grade students seeking admission to the specialized schools. Al-Delfi said the lower threshold gives more students the opportunity to enter gifted education programs and addresses grievances raised during the exam preparation period. The regulation took effect with the ministry's approval and was received positively by families preparing their children for the entrance tests. Gifted schools in Iraq are specialized institutions designed for students who demonstrate high academic achievement. Al-Delfi, the commission member, said the adjustment aims to ease hardships for applicants and make the competitive exam system more accessible. No further details on implementation or additional changes were immediately available.