On the eve of the 2026 baccalaureate examinations, National Education Minister Mohamed Seghir Saâdaoui convened a virtual meeting with exam center directors nationwide. The session, which included regional education directors, central administration executives, and officials from the National Office of Examinations and Competitions (ONEC), focused on the final preparations for this major national event.
The minister emphasized that the baccalaureate is a cornerstone of the national school system. He stressed that mobilizing all stakeholders is vital to guarantee equal opportunities for every candidate and to ensure the testing process runs seamlessly under ideal conditions.
He highlighted the crucial role of exam center heads, urging them to enforce regulatory protocols strictly and maintain highly efficient management over their assigned facilities.
Securing the examination process received paramount attention. Saâdaoui underscored the absolute ban on bringing mobile phones or any digital communication devices into testing centers and rooms, a rule applying to both students and supervisory staff. He also reiterated the legal penalties regarding academic fraud and the unauthorized leaking of exam papers on social media networks.
Furthermore, the minister directed center managers to establish all material conditions necessary for the smooth operation of the tests. He specifically ordered advance checks on equipment, air conditioning units, and power grids, alongside ensuring steady water supplies and other essential amenities for welcoming students.
Among the new measures introduced this year is the earlier opening of testing sites. Centers will now admit candidates starting at 7:15 AM for morning sessions and 1:45 PM for afternoon sessions—fifteen minutes earlier than in previous years. This adjustment aims to facilitate smoother entry into classrooms and ease the reception process.
The education chief also requested double-checking the operational status of surveillance cameras and screening devices installed as part of the overall security framework.
During the briefing, Saâdaoui addressed the fire that broke out Tuesday evening in the reception hall of the Ministry of National Education headquarters. According to official reports, an electrical short circuit triggered the blaze. Civil Protection units responded swiftly to contain the flames.
The minister confirmed that the incident caused no casualties and resulted only in minor property damage. He reassured candidates, parents, and school personnel that ministry operations remain unaffected and the schedule for national examinations stands unchanged.
In closing, the minister reaffirmed his full confidence in the teams mobilized for both the middle school certificate (BEM) and the baccalaureate. He concluded that the success of these sessions hinges entirely on strict adherence to the organizational, security, and supervisory measures established for this 2026 session.