The annual examination of various levels of religious madrassas (religious schools) was held today (January 20) with the presence of more than 50,000 students across the country.

The acting minister of higher education, Neda Mohammad Nadim, who visited the northern provinces to oversee the holding of exam, said that the exam's purpose is to develop an advanced education system.

According to the officials, this exam is held in coordination with of the Ministry of Education and will continue for six days.

"[This exam is held] so that the process is credible and to prevent counterfeiting and to have a transparent and advanced system,” Nadim said.
"The exam is held in three stages in 34 provinces of Afghanistan; 50,000 students participated in it,” Abdul Qudos, an official of the Ministry of Education said.

Some participants of this exam also emphasized learning modern sciences in addition to religious sciences.

"The start of such processes is very good, most of the students did not have access to the documents,” Mohammad Rahim, a participant from Jawzjan told TOLOnews.

“It is necessary for both a Mullah and Qari to have knowledge about science and geography,” said Hasibullah, another participant.

The annual test, which will last six days and involve more than 50,000 students, according to officials, will determine the academic status of students at religious madrasas (religious institutions) at the 12th grade, bachelor's, and master's levels.