Egypt’s high school exams started on Saturday, with 419,829 students taking Arabic language and religious education exams on the first day.
The exams, called thanaweya amma, are taking place amid tight security to prevent cheating. The education, interior and health ministries and the armed forces are on high alert and a hotline number, 2399, has been set up to receive complaints from students and their guardians.
The Education Ministry began overseeing the arrival of answer sheets to exam committees on Friday, and made sure that all the necessary procedures are taken to receive the students and allow them to take the exams smoothly.
According to a statement made by Education Minister Gamal al-Araby, the armed forces have announced their commitment to maintaining security at all examination sites in coordination with the Interior Ministry.
Mass cheating will lead to the exam being canceled in the entire governorate [where the cheating takes place], said Araby.
Ambulances are being deployed near examination sites in all governorates, ready to help students if necessary, according to the Health Ministry.
All these preparations for different potential cases of emergency come within the framework of the government's keenness to ensure the security of high school exams this year, especially due to the political situation, sources told Al-Masry Al-Youm. This year’s exams coincide with the presidential election, which makes security measures especially important.
Back-up exam committees have been prepared in all governorates to deal with any emergencies.
High school exam results are the only factor that determines whether an Egyptian student will to get into college. The results also determine which college they will go to and even what subject they will study.
Parents whose children go to state schools often pay high fees for tutors to help them study for these exams. The pressure on students to do well can lead to emotional scenes after exams and when the results are released.
