This morning, make-up exams began in all schools across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for students who missed the first semester final exams. These exams, known as "substitute exams," are for students whose circumstances prevented them from attending on the original date, whether due to acceptable medical or administrative reasons, or without any excuse. Additionally, exams are being held for students in failed subjects at the secondary level, a step aimed at giving students the opportunity to complete their education without delay.
The mechanism for distributing grades and ensuring fairness
The Ministry of Education has adopted a precise and detailed mechanism for calculating test scores to ensure the highest standards of educational fairness and equal opportunities for all students. It has been decided that tests for students absent with a valid excuse in all three educational stages (primary, intermediate, and secondary) will be graded out of 40 points . This measure takes into account extenuating circumstances that students may face, ensuring that their cumulative grade point average is not negatively impacted by circumstances beyond their control.
Regarding secondary school specifically, the Ministry has established a different standard for students absent without excuse, setting a maximum grade of 60 points to reinforce the values of school discipline and responsibility. Conversely, students who failed subjects in previous years will be tested in the parallel semester out of a total of 100 points , giving them a genuine opportunity to overcome past academic obstacles and improve their academic performance.
Organizational context and timeframe
To ensure the accuracy of results and safeguard students' rights to grade monitoring and review, the Ministry of Education has instructed schools to adhere to a specific deadline of the 17th of Sha'ban . This date is the final deadline for receiving requests to amend first-semester grades and address any discrepancies that may arise during automated or manual data entry processes, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to data accuracy in its approved electronic systems.
Educational importance and its alignment with Vision 2030
This measure is of paramount importance within the current Saudi education system, as it aims to reduce dropout and failure rates and ensure the continuity of high-quality academic achievement. These tests are part of a package of corrective measures adopted by the Ministry to improve the efficiency of educational outcomes.
This comprehensive educational mobilization aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which focuses on developing human capabilities and improving education. By providing alternative opportunities and addressing learning difficulties, the Ministry contributes to building a well-educated generation capable of overcoming challenges, while continuously emphasizing to educational departments and schools the importance of adhering to timelines and documentation standards to ensure the smooth operation of the educational process.
