Iraq says exam papers seized at Baghdad airport not from this year’s tests

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s Ministry of Education said exam papers seized from a passenger at Baghdad International Airport do not belong to the 2025-2026 academic year’s centralized examinations. The ministry said the documents were turned over to the Permanent Examinations Committee for technical review after security units flagged them over possible links to the exam process. According to the ministry, the committee compared the seized papers against this year’s tests, questions and approved examination booklets and concluded they were not part of the current cycle. The statement added that the security of the national exams is under the direct oversight of the Prime Minister, while the Education Minister continues field-level supervision. The ministry said coordination with security agencies is ongoing and that any information or sign that could affect the examination process will be pursued. Earlier, security sources said the exam notebooks, alleged to have been leaked, were found on a passenger at the airport last Wednesday.