Khartoum, 25-3-2026 (SUNA) – Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ahmed Khalifa Omar, announced a significant increase in students registered for the 2026 Sudanese Secondary Certificate examinations.The announcement was made during a meeting of the 2026 Exam Emergency Room, chaired by Minister of Interior and Head of the Emergency Room, Lt. Gen. (Police) Babiker Samra Mustafa. The session, held via videoconference, was attended by Director General of Police, General (Police) Amir Abdelmoneim Fadl, Dr. Khalifa, and committee members from pertinent bodies.Dr. Khalifa stated that 544,274 students registered for the 2026 exams, an increase of 344,000 compared with the postponed 2023 batch of over 220,000 and the postponed 2024 batch, which saw 199,000 candidates sit their exams. He stressed that these figures, drawn directly from Sudan’s Exam Administration records, reflect students’ strong motivation and determination.He noted that a large portion of the candidates are from Darfur, describing it as a practical demonstration by students preparing for “the battle of the future,” set to begin on 13 April.In Khartoum alone, 148,842 students registered for the 2026 exams, compared with 30,000 for the postponed 2024 batch, highlighting government efforts to provide a conducive environment for education.Dr. Khalifa added that the meeting received a briefing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the readiness of overseas exam centers, assuring parents abroad that all technical and administrative arrangements for exams, both locally and internationally, are complete. He confirmed the emergency room and ministry are prepared to handle any contingencies, ensuring students in Gulf countries can sit the exams. Arrangements for accommodation and support for students from Darfur have also been finalized, despite obstacles posed by rebel militias.The Education Ministry Undersecretary concluded by urging students to maintain their determination and strive for outstanding results.BH/BH