Cambodia: Education Minister Encourages High School Exam Candidates, Issues Warnings

Cambodia's Minister of Education, Hang Chuon Naron, has conveyed his well wishes to all candidates for the high school diploma examinations (Bakdup) scheduled for August 10, 2026, hoping they achieve results commensurate with their efforts. The minister also wished success to all stakeholders involved in ensuring the smooth conduct of the exams. In a video message released on the morning of August 9th, lasting approximately three minutes, Minister Naron urged students to be well-prepared and strictly prohibited from bringing any documents or electronic devices into the examination centers. He also emphasized the importance of health management, advising them to get adequate sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated to remain calm and confident during the exams. Specifically, he noted that "eating breakfast is especially important to feel courageous, calm, and confident during the exam." He also appealed for caution during travel, strict adherence to traffic laws, and preparation for rainy weather. The high school diploma examinations this year will be held on August 10 and 11, 2026, with a total of 151,238 candidates registered. Of these, 37,445 candidates are from science streams (over 24%) and 113,793 are from social streams (over 75%). The exams will take place across 244 centers, comprising 6,207 rooms. Science streams will utilize 68 centers with 1,533 rooms, while social streams will use 176 centers with 4,674 rooms. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local