Afghanistan, March 30 -- Afghanistan's nationwide 1405 university entrance exam will begin on May 11, 2026 (21 Sawr 1405), as concerns continue over the exclusion of girls from secondary and higher education across the country.
Abdul Baqi Haqqani, head of the Taliban-run National Examination Authority, said the Kankor exam will be held in four phases this year, starting on 21 Sawr (May 11) in 15 provinces and continuing a week later in 18 more provinces.
He said the third phase will take place in Kabul on 12 Jawza (June 2), while the fourth round, covering miscellaneous exams, is scheduled for 22 Jawza (June 12). Taliban officials estimate around 120,000 candidates may sit the exam this year.
According to the Taliban, the Ministry of Hig...