Unified Admission Dates 2026: End of Achievement Tests, Aptitude Tests, and Automated Monitoring
The National Unified Admission Platform, "Qabool," officially announced the detailed timeline for the electronic linking and data processing phases for the upcoming academic year, revealing the crucial deadlines for taking the standardized tests required for admission to public universities and technical colleges. The platform confirmed that the automated monitoring of high school grades and National Center for Assessment test results will take place on June 26 and 27, 2026, as part of intensive preparations for the start of the university admissions season.
The announcement detailed specific, non-negotiable dates for students to be eligible for university placements. June 9, 2026, was set as the deadline for taking the achievement test, while June 21, 2026, was designated as the final opportunity to take the general aptitude test. Authorities emphasized that any tests conducted after these dates may not be included in the data sent to universities in a timely manner, potentially impacting admission chances.
The importance of standardized tests in university admissions
These dates are of paramount importance given the pivotal role that the Education and Training Evaluation Commission (Qiyas) tests play in determining students' academic futures. It is well-established in the Saudi education system that university admissions are primarily based on a "weighted average," a mathematical formula that combines the high school GPA with aptitude and achievement test scores, with varying weights depending on the chosen field of study and university. The general aptitude test measures a student's analytical and reasoning skills, while the achievement test focuses on assessing their knowledge of the scientific and theoretical subjects they studied during high school.
Digital transformation and its impact on justice and transparency
This automated monitoring process is part of the comprehensive digital transformation strategy underway in Saudi Arabia's education sector, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030. The automatic import of grades through official channels, without any human intervention, aims to achieve the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and data reliability. Instead of potentially error-prone manual data entry, the integrated digital systems between the Ministry of Education, the Education Evaluation Commission, and universities ensure the highly accurate flow of data, thus expediting the sorting and announcement of results.
Through these proactive and regulatory measures, the National Unified Admission Platform seeks to create a seamless digital environment that serves hundreds of thousands of graduates, and ensures the distribution of study seats based on competence and merit, calling on all students to adhere to the announced timetable to guarantee their rights in fair competition.
