Cambodian Education Minister Encourages Students to Rest and Eat Well Ahead of High School Exams

Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, has encouraged all candidates preparing for the High School Diploma Examination, or Bak Doep, scheduled for August 10 and 11, 2026, to ensure adequate rest, nutrition, and revision for better results. Dr. Naron advised, "Candidates must prepare themselves thoroughly, without fear. Get enough sleep and eat well, review your lessons, and summarize them. It is also good to wake up early. The Bak Doep exam does not determine your entire destiny, as there will always be those who pass and those who fail. The important thing is to continue learning. People are not the same; some learn well, others less so, depending on their own efforts, family, and natural talents." Furthermore, Dr. Naron appealed to government working groups to continue supporting candidates in various localities by providing financial assistance, accommodation, and food. The Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia is also preparing to arrange free accommodation and motorcycle parking for candidates, and some pagodas are offering accommodation for male candidates. According to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the High School Diploma Examination will be conducted based on the principle of "those who know, pass" to ensure fairness, transparency, and acceptable results. A total of 151,238 candidates have registered to take the exam, with 37,445 candidates in the Science stream (over 24 percent) and 113,793 candidates in the Social Sciences stream (over 75 percent). The examination process will be held in 244 centers, comprising 6,207 rooms, with 68 centers and 1,533 rooms for the Science stream, and 176 centers and 4,674 rooms for the Social Sciences stream. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local