Iraqi ministry says exam papers seized at Baghdad airport are not from current school year

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education said exam papers and forms seized at Baghdad International Airport do not belong to the 2025–2026 central exams, following a technical review of the documents. According to a written statement from the ministry, its legal unit carried out a preliminary examination before referring the case to the permanent examination commission, which found no link between the seized materials and the active set of general exam questions. The ministry said it appreciated the efforts of security forces in protecting the examination process and preventing disruption to students and their families. It added that the general exams are proceeding under tight administrative, security and technical measures. Some reports had claimed that more than 50 smuggled exam notebooks were seized at the airport, with seven reportedly containing full answers. Lawmaker Basim al-Garrabi said he discussed transparency in the exams and protections for students' rights during a visit to the education minister. The ministry called on media outlets and social media users to rely on official sources and avoid unverified information and rumors. Baccalaureate final exams for high school seniors are scheduled to begin on Saturday.