The results of the Middle School Certificate (BEM) 2026 session, announced Sunday by the Ministry of National Education, revealed a 65.19% success rate among registered students and a high school admission rate reaching 74.39%. This session is also highlighted by the outstanding performance of female students who swept the top three spots in the national rankings.
The top national position went to young Ikhlass Kia, a student at Allama Khalifa-Ben Hassan Middle School in Guemar, located in the El-Oued province, who achieved an exceptional average of 19.80/20. Second place was secured by Rana Mezredi from Bjaoui-Larbi Middle School in Biskra, with an average of 19.65/20. The third step of the podium is occupied by Basma Boubidi, who studies at Mohamed-Ben Boulaid Middle School in Arris, within the Batna province, thanks to an average of 19.60/20. These outcomes demonstrate the level of distinction reached by many students and reward years of commitment, persistence, and continuous work.
Furthermore, the unveiled data shows massive student participation across the entire national territory and a success level considered encouraging. In total, 877,046 candidates, including both regular and independent students, were registered for this session. Among them, 865,446 candidates actually took part in the examinations, proving the weight of this test in the academic journey of students.
For regular students, who make up the vast majority of applicants, 864,896 pupils sat for the exams out of the 865,446 registered. Within this group, 559,214 candidates secured their diplomas, leading to the national success rate of 65.19%.
The 2026 session will also be remembered for the stellar performances recorded by several pupils, particularly the top three national laureates who accomplished remarkable averages. One of the defining features of this session lies in the substantial number of candidates who earned their diplomas with honors.
Over 296,000 Candidates Earn Honors
According to statistics provided by the ministry, 296,036 students passed the examination with honors. Among them, 6,302 candidates secured the “Excellent” mention, while 46,408 students obtained the “Very Good” mention.
Additionally, 89,949 candidates received a “Good” mention, and 153,377 students were admitted with an “As-Good” mention. These figures point to a qualitative improvement in results and reflect the efforts made by students as well as teachers, families, and the entire educational community.
The 2026 session also saw the enrollment of 12,150 independent candidates. Out of these, 7,597 actually showed up for the tests. Following grading and deliberations, 2,142 independent candidates successfully obtained their Middle School Certificate, validating the importance of this option which allows many learners to resume their educational paths.
Beyond the BEM pass rate, the ministry also brought forward another highly meaningful metric, specifically the transition rate into secondary education. Consequently, the overall percentage of students admitted into the first year of high school, across general and technological streams, reached 74.39%. This outcome indicates broader opportunities for middle schoolers to continue their studies and reflects public sector efforts to upgrade schooling conditions and pedagogical support.
It is worth noting that through these results, the 2026 BEM session embodies the work accomplished throughout the school year by students, teachers, educational staff, and parents. The recorded achievements, notably the large number of honors and the stellar grades of the national laureates, show the determination of many students to chase excellence and pursue their curricula under optimal conditions.
This collective achievement serves as an encouraging indicator for the national education system, which is called upon to sustain its efforts to further boost learning quality and promote a school system rooted in excellence, innovation, and success for all.