Guidelines and procedures for the 2026 Nafis tests | Education Evaluation Authority
Preparations begin for the 2026 National Competitions
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission, in close cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Education, is conducting the 2026 National Assessments (Nafess) tests. These tests constitute a comprehensive national survey of the academic achievement of male and female students in all primary and intermediate schools across the Kingdom. This large-scale assessment cycle targets more than 1,550,000 students in the third and sixth grades of primary school and the third grade of intermediate school. The tests will be administered in person in both paper and digital formats to ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment.
General context and historical background of the Nafs tests
The Nafis tests are an integral part of the Human Capacity Development Program, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Since its establishment, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission has undertaken the task of building a reliable national assessment system that meets international standards. The Nafis tests were launched to serve as the most important national indicator for measuring school performance, independent of internal school assessments. This provides a true and transparent picture of the level of education in the Kingdom and helps identify and address educational gaps early on.
The importance of the event and its expected impact (locally and internationally)
At the local level, the Nafs tests contribute to creating a positive competitive environment among schools and education departments, which positively impacts the quality of educational outcomes. They also provide accurate data for policymakers and researchers to develop curricula and teaching methods. At the regional and international levels, the results of these tests serve as a proactive indicator of Saudi students' performance in standardized international assessments such as TIMSS, PISA, and PIRLS. Improving learning outcomes locally is the first step towards raising the Kingdom's ranking in global education quality indicators.
Test areas and approved schedule
The Nafis tests cover core areas including mathematics, science, and reading, with the aim of tracking changes in educational levels. The implementation schedule runs from Sunday, April 5th to April 23rd, 2026. The days from April 5th to 8th are designated for third-year middle school students, from April 12th to 16th for sixth-grade elementary students, and the testing concludes with third-grade elementary students from April 19th to 23rd.
Strict controls to ensure integrity and confidentiality
The procedural guidelines include strict instructions prohibiting the use of mobile phones, calculators, and smartwatches in examination halls. Only pencils are permitted for paper-based exams. The guidelines also emphasize the absolute confidentiality of the exam booklets, prohibiting school staff from accessing the questions, and impose strict penalties for those who violate the confidentiality regulations to ensure the highest levels of integrity.
Test components and allotted time
The number of questions and allotted time vary depending on the grade level. The third-grade elementary exam contains 40 questions, while the paper-based versions for sixth-grade elementary and third-grade middle school students contain 70 questions. The total exam session lasts approximately two and a half hours, including preparation periods, breaks between sections, and time to complete questionnaires. The student booklet consists of a cover printed with the student's personal information, sections for the academic subjects, and a student questionnaire that measures socioeconomic factors and their impact on academic achievement.
Digital transformation and integrated assessment system
The authority's digital application relies on the Exam Live platform, which includes 120 questions divided into six sections, along with advanced technological tools such as a countdown timer, text zoom functionality, and a built-in calculator for certain subjects. The assessment tools are not limited to students; they also include electronic surveys for school administrators, teachers, and parents to gauge the achievement of key learning outcomes. This integrated system aims to generate school performance reports that contribute to raising the quality of education and preparing globally competitive citizens.
