Iraq's Education Ministry prepares comprehensive exam entry plan for intermediate, secondary students

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education has begun preparations for a comprehensive entry policy covering exams for third-year intermediate and sixth-year secondary school students, the ministry's spokesperson said. The process is being carried out in line with consultations between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani (the Turkish text refers to him as Ali Zeydî, which appears to be an error; the sitting Iraqi prime minister is Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani) and Education Minister Abdul Karim Abtan. According to the spokesperson, the ministry's Advisory Council will finalize its decision on the comprehensive entry framework before the proposal is submitted to the Council of Ministers. Draft procedures required for the policy to take effect are being prepared, with final approval expected from the cabinet. The ministry said the exam calendar and implementation guidelines will be announced separately once the Council of Ministers gives its approval. No further details on the timetable or scope of the exams were immediately available.