Cambodia's High School Graduation Exams Commence Amid Record Turnout and Weather Watch

Cambodia's high school graduation exams (Bakdup) commenced nationwide on August 10. On the first day, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron attended a symbolic ceremony at Preah Sisowath High School in Phnom Penh to mark the start of the examinations. This year's exams are being held over two days, August 10 and 11, with a record 151,238 candidates registered. Of these, 37,445 candidates (over 24%) are enrolled in science streams and 113,793 (over 75%) in social streams. The exams are being administered across 244 centers and 6,207 rooms nationwide. Science streams will utilize 68 centers and 1,533 rooms, while social streams will use 176 centers and 4,674 rooms. Compared to last year's exams held on August 28-29, 2025, which saw 146,720 candidates and were conducted in 241 centers and 5,924 rooms, this year's figures represent an increase. The Ministry of Education has instructed examination supervisors, center chiefs, committees, and all candidates to ensure adequate food and water intake for their health and safety. Candidates are also advised to prepare protective gear such as hats, umbrellas, or raincoats for their journeys to and from examination centers, especially given the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology's forecast of heavy rain and strong winds during the exam period. Center chiefs are specifically directed to have umbrellas and raincoats ready to manage the examination process flexibly. Furthermore, candidates are urged to respect traffic laws and drive with caution to prevent accidents. In the event of heavy rainfall, examination supervisors, committees, and center chiefs are required to demonstrate flexibility in managing the written examination process and report promptly to the national examination committee. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local