Ministry of Education: Cancellation of Fourth-Stage Supervisory Positions Exam Results and Re-administration for All

Minister of Education M. Syed Jalal Al-Tabatabai issued a decision to annul all results of the fourth-stage examinations for candidates applying for educational supervisory positions, and to re-administer the exams to all applicants. This follows the completion of the work by the neutral investigation committee established by Minister Al-Tabatabai to examine observations, complaints, and violations raised by applicants and educational field professionals regarding the aforementioned tests.

The Ministry of Education stated in a press release that the decision is based on the findings of the neutral investigation committee, and aims to ensure the integrity of the procedures governing the exams, and to verify that any administrative decisions resulting from them are derived from correct and sound foundations. This enhances confidence in the selection system for supervisory positions and reinforces the principle that educational responsibilities must be assigned based on objective criteria and disciplined procedures free from violations.

The Ministry emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of the exams and protecting the rights of applicants is a responsibility that allows for no negligence. Addressing observations and complaints from the educational field stems from a commitment to reviewing procedures, verifying their integrity, and taking necessary corrective measures to preserve the credibility of administrative processes and strengthen trust in the mechanisms for filling educational supervisory posts.

It was clarified that the Educational Affairs Sector will undertake all necessary actions and procedures to re-administer the exams, according to timeframes to be determined, with full adherence to the regulations governing the exams. Necessary measures will be taken to ensure their confidentiality and procedural integrity, and to prevent any violations during their administration.

The Ministry added that the date, venue, duration of each exam, and prescribed scientific content will be determined at a later date. These details will be officially announced by the Ministry of Education, and applicants who attended the fourth-stage leadership training courses will be informed of all necessary details and requirements. This ensures clarity of procedures for all parties and enables them to prepare for the exams based on approved and published information.

The Ministry of Education explained that the decision came after a series of supervisory and investigative measures taken in light of numerous observations and complaints received during and after the examination period, which included objections regarding the integrity of procedures and whether they ensured fairness and equal opportunity among applicants.

In response to these observations, and with a commitment to handling them objectively and responsibly, the Minister of Education directed the formation of a neutral investigation committee comprising specialists from the Fatwa and Legislation Administration and the Ministry of Education. The committee was tasked with investigating the observations and violations that marred the fourth-stage process for candidates applying for educational supervisory positions at the Ministry of Education for the academic year 2025/2026.

The Ministry noted that the committee examined various aspects related to the exams, verified the procedures followed in their organization and implementation, and assessed the integrity of the adopted mechanisms. It identified discrepancies and submitted its findings and recommendations to the Minister to make an appropriate decision based on the investigation's conclusions.

It added that the committee’s scope of work included investigating the electronic exams held for candidates applying for educational supervisory positions, following their attendance at training courses culminating in an exam, as well as reviewing the procedures followed in administering exams to candidates who attended the leadership training courses.

The investigation also extended to examining the circulation of electronic exam questions for the fourth stage via social media platforms, verifying the circumstances surrounding this issue, and reviewing the exam preparation process and its programming mechanism, including all technical and procedural aspects related to the integrity and confidentiality of the exams.

Following the completion of its work, the committee submitted its final report to His Excellency the Minister of Education, Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabatabai, which included the findings of the inspection and investigation regarding the noted observations and violations. Based on the report’s conclusions, a decision was issued to annul all results of the fourth-stage exams and to re-administer them to all candidates.

The Ministry clarified that the investigation revealed practices involving the illegal circulation of exam questions, which undermined equal opportunity and fair competition. It emphasized that such practices are contrary to professional ethics and the educational responsibilities that must be upheld.

The Ministry of Education reaffirmed that the re-administration of the exams is part of its commitment to ensuring procedural integrity and achieving fairness among all candidates, as well as reinforcing standards of integrity and transparency in the recruitment of educational supervisory positions. This ensures that approved results are based on correct and sound procedures, and that all candidates are provided with equal opportunities in accordance with the regulations governing the exams.

The Ministry stressed that safeguarding the credibility of the exams requires serious action against any observations or violations, and that no procedures should be subject to doubt that could compromise fair competition or the rights of candidates. It affirmed that the integrity of the administrative and educational system remains a primary priority in all decisions and procedures related to supervisory positions.

The Ministry of Education concluded by emphasizing that all concerned parties are required to fully comply with the content of the decision and implement its provisions, and to act in accordance with the specified guidelines for re-administering the exams. Necessary measures must be taken to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the procedures, thereby enhancing confidence in the system for filling educational supervisory positions and reaffirming that fairness, equal opportunity, and integrity are fundamental pillars that must not be compromised.