Iraq's higher education ministry approves extra marks for at-risk graduating students

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has issued a directive allowing additional marks for graduating students in critical circumstances taking its 2025-2026 assessment exams. According to the official circular released on Tuesday, the assessment exams covered by the directive will continue to be evaluated under the framework of a previous ministerial order. Extra marks will be awarded to students in critical situations in line with the rules set out in that order, or at an equivalent weight, and will be applied by the relevant deans' committee chairpersons. The ministry said the score recorded on each student's exam paper will serve as the basis for the assessment, with additional marks granted only once the student meets the passing requirement in the relevant subject. The decision applies the principle of maximum benefit to the student, the circular added. Officials stressed that the implementation will be carried out in a manner that serves the student's interest. No further details on the number of affected students or the specific subjects covered were immediately available.