Malaysia's Ministry of Education is set to release the 2026 SPM examination schedule on the evening of August 18, following approval by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek [1, 2, 3]. The announcement comes after Education Director-General Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad informed the minister of the proposed schedule in a meeting held on August 17 [1, 2].
The ministry has taken care to study various factors in preparing the schedule. These include addressing previous concerns about certain exams being clustered near the end of the period, as well as considering the Northeast Monsoon season, the potential for haze at year-end, and school holiday calendars [1, 2, 3].
Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said, "We are studying everything, that’s why when we want to make changes, I want this (SPM 2026 Schedule) to be studied thoroughly" [2]. He emphasized the ministry’s goal to balance the needs of students, parents and education offices, stating, "We at the Ministry of Education will try to provide the best for the JPN, PPD and schools, especially our children who will be sitting for the SPM examination and also for parents" [2].
The schedule is designed to minimize disruption for the State Education Departments (JPN), District Education Offices (PPD), and schools [1, 2, 3]. This careful approach aims to prevent negative impacts on administration and logistics during the exam period.
Concerns about the delay in announcing the 2026 SPM exam dates have been growing on social media among parents and candidates [1, 2, 3]. Addressing this, Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said, "If there are no issues, we will release (the 2026 SPM schedule) this evening as well" [1].
The ministry’s announcement is expected later today, August 18, completing the preparations for the national secondary school leaving examination scheduled for 2026.
