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Thanaweya Amma
General Secondary Education Certificate Examination
📝 Secondary School Exit and University Entrance Examination Paper-based using OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets with some essay components. ⏱ Valid: Permanent for the certificate; typically one to two years for university admission coordination. Since 1953 ⚡ Very Hard
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
📝 Register Now 🌐 Official Site
Score Range
0 - 410
Exam Fee
$10
Duration
Approximately 36 hours total across all subjects (2-3 hours per subject).
Questions
Varies by subject, typically ranging from 40 to 60 questions per paper.
Score Valid
Permanent for the certificate; typically one to two years for university admission coordination.
Frequency
Once per year with a second session (August) for retakes.
Accepted By
Over 1000 universities worldwide recognize this certificate for undergraduate admission.
Pass Rate
Typically ranges between 74% and 81% nationally.
Difficulty
Very Hard
Quick Summary

Thanaweya Amma (General Secondary Education Certificate Examination) is a secondary school exit and university entrance examination conducted by Ministry of Education and Technical Education (MoETE), Egypt. Scores range from 0 - 410. Accepted by Over 1000 universities worldwide recognize this certificate for undergraduate admission., the exam fee is $10, with very hard difficulty level.

📋 Exam Overview
🎯
Score Range
0 - 410
Duration
Approximately 36 hours total across all subjects (2-3 hours per subject).
💳
Fee
$10
📅
Valid For
Permanent for the certificate; typically one to two years for university admission coordination.
🖥
Mode
Paper-based using OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets with some essay components.
🌍
Accepted By
Over 1000 universities worldwide recognize this certificate for undergraduate admission.
🗓
Frequency
Once per year with a second session (August) for retakes.
🏛
Conducted By
Ministry of Education and Technical Education (MoETE), Egypt
Total Qs
Varies by subject, typically ranging from 40 to 60 questions per paper.
📑
Sections
Scientific Math Branch, Scientific Science Branch, Literary Branch
Difficulty
Very Hard
📊
Pass Rate
Typically ranges between 74% and 81% nationally.
The gateway to higher education and the future of Egyptian students.
👤 Who Should Take This Exam?
Grade 12 students in the Egyptian national education system wishing to graduate and enter university.
🎓 Education Level
National Secondary Level (Grade 12)
🌍 Accepted In
Egypt United Kingdom United States Germany United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia
📝 Exam Structure & Format
Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) on bubble sheets and short analytical essay questions.
Language / Medium
Arabic (Primary), English/French (for language schools and specific subjects).
Total Duration
Approximately 36 hours total across all subjects (2-3 hours per subject).
Retake Policy
Students failing up to two subjects may retake them in the second session for 50% of the marks. Students failing more must repeat the academic year.
Total Questions
Varies by subject, typically ranging from 40 to 60 questions per paper.
Sections
Scientific Math Branch, Scientific Science Branch, Literary Branch
⚙️ More format details (timing, marking, equipment)See all
Time Per Section
120 to 180 minutes per subject.
Negative Marking
No
Calculator Allowed
Yes
Scratch Paper
Yes
Breaks Allowed
No
Home Edition
No
Digital vs Paper
The system shifted from tablets back to paper OMR sheets to ensure stability and prevent technical issues during high-stakes sessions.
📑 Section Details
Scientific Math focuses on Calculus and Dynamics. Scientific Science focuses on Biology and Geology. Literary focuses on History, Geography, and Philosophy.
🎯 Scoring System
Score Range
0 - 410
Good / Passing Score
50% of the total marks in each subject
How Scoring Works
Arabic (80), English (50), Second Language (40), Science/Math subjects (60 each), Social Studies (60 each).
🏆 Minimum Scores for Top Universities
Varies by year and faculty; Medicine typically requires over 90%, while Arts may require 65%.
📊 Section / sub-scoresSee all
Writing
Included in the Arabic and Foreign Language subject totals.
Speaking
Not specified
Listening
Not specified
Reading
Included in the Language subject totals.
Grammar
Included in the Language subject totals.
Vocabulary
Included in the Language subject totals.
Analytical
Embedded within the scores of Physics, Math, and Philosophy subjects.
Quantitative
Measured through Mathematics and Physics examinations.
Verbal
Measured through Arabic and Foreign Language examinations.
Subject
Maximum marks per subject are clearly defined (e.g., 80 for Arabic, 60 for Physics).
All Sub-Scores
Individual marks for each subject are provided in the official certificate.
📈 Avg First Attempt
70% to 75% across the national average.
🔼 Score Improvement
Varies; improvements are common for students retaking the year to increase their total percentage.
💳 Registration & Fees
Fee (USD)
$10
See all
10
Fee (INR)
₹840
See all
840
Other
210 EGP for regular students; varies for repeaters and private candidates.
📝 Register Now →
📋 Policies (rescheduling, cancellation, verification, waivers)See all
⏰ Register in Advance
4-5 months (Registration usually occurs between January and March).
🔄 Rescheduling Policy
Rescheduling is generally not permitted except for documented medical emergencies approved by the Ministry.
❌ Cancellation Policy
Exams can be cancelled or postponed only by a Presidential or Ministerial decree during national emergencies.
🔍 Score Verification
Yes
📋 Score Audit
Available through the 'Tazaloum' process within 15 days of result announcement for a small fee.
↩ Reinstatement Policy
Students may appeal score cancellations through the Administrative Court system.
🎁 Fee Waiver Criteria
Not specified
📅 Exam Dates & Schedule
📆 Available Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
🔁 Frequency
Once per year with a second session (August) for retakes.
📊 Results Declared
2 to 3 weeks after the final exam of the first session.
🔄 Retake Policy
Students failing up to two subjects may retake them in the second session for 50% of the marks. Students failing more must repeat the academic year.
⏰ Register By
4-5 months (Registration usually occurs between January and March).
✅ Eligibility & Access
🎂 Age Limit
Generally up to 21 years old for regular school students.
🎓 Education Required
Successful completion of Grade 11 (Second Secondary) in the Egyptian system.
🛂 Citizenship
No
📍 Test Centers
Approximately 2,000 public schools serve as examination centers across Egypt.
More on accommodations, ID, and special versionsSee all
🪪 ID Required
Yes
♿ Accessibility
Braille exams for the visually impaired and specialized assistance for students with motor disabilities.
🔀 Special Versions
STEM School Examinations and Blended Learning versions for non-traditional students.
📐 Subject Variants
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Pure Math, Applied Math, History, Geography, Philosophy, Psychology.
🤝 Disability Accommodations
Individual proctors for writing assistance and extra time for qualified candidates.
🗓 Exam Day Guide
✅ What to Bring
Seating Number Card, National ID, Blue pens, Pencils, Eraser, and a non-programmable calculator.
🚫 Prohibited Items
Mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, books, and any programmable electronic devices.
📋 Exam Day Rules
No electronic devices, students must arrive 30 minutes early, and only specific stationery is allowed.
After the exam: score reporting and deliverySee all
⏱ Score Reporting
14 to 20 days after the conclusion of the exam period.
📤 Score Sending
Automatically sent to the Ministry of Higher Education Coordination Office (Tansiq).
🎓 Score Recipients
Egyptian Public Universities, Egyptian Private Universities, and the Ministry of Higher Education.
📚 Preparation Guide
📅 Recommended Prep Time
10 months
🗓 Avg Prep Months
10 months
Preparation involves year-long intensive study, often supplemented by private tutoring and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank resources.
💡 Top Tips & Tricks
Focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Practice extensively with the Ministry's previous 'Boklet' exam formats.
Full study plan, resources, and common mistakesSee all
📅 Study Plan
A 10-month plan starting in September, covering the syllabus by March, followed by three months of intensive revision and practice tests.
📖 Recommended Books
Ministry Textbooks, El-Moasser Series, El-Wessam, and Al-Adwaa.
🏫 Popular Prep Courses
Private tutoring at 'Centers' and online platforms like Noon Academy or Abwaab.
📱 Popular Prep Apps
Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), Noon Academy, and Madrasatona Plus.
✅ Official Practice Tests
Available on the Egyptian Knowledge Bank and the Ministry's official portal. — Free
🆓 Free Online Resources
Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), Madrasatona TV channels, and the MoETE YouTube channel.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misallocating time between MCQs and essays, and failing to double-check the OMR bubbling accuracy.
💡 EduAtlasHub Exclusive Insights
🔍 Insider Tips
Solve the Ministry's weekly practice questions and use the 'Open Book' concept sheets (Mofrahat) effectively during the exam.
⭐ Unique Features
The 'Tansiq' system creates a highly competitive environment where a fraction of a percent determines career paths.
🎓 How This Score Impacts Your Application
This is the sole criterion for the 'Tansiq' system, which determines a student's university and major placement.
More insights: country notes, comparisons, myths, examiner tipsSee all
🌍 Country-Specific Notes
In Egypt, this exam is a high-stakes national event that significantly impacts family life and social status.
⚖️ Comparison with Alternatives
More rigid and broader in scope than the American Diploma (SAT) or IGCSE, focusing on a fixed national curriculum.
🆕 Recent Changes
Implementation of MCQ-based OMR sheets and the introduction of a 'concept sheet' instead of traditional open-book exams.
🔜 Upcoming Changes
Potential increase in the percentage of essay-based questions to better assess critical thinking.
🧐 Myths vs Facts
Myth: You must memorize the textbook word-for-word. Fact: Current exams focus on understanding and application of concepts.
👨‍🏫 Examiner Tips
Ensure you answer all questions as there is no negative marking, and manage your time strictly using a watch.
🏆 Success Stories
The 'Awa'el' (top scorers) are celebrated nationally and usually receive full scholarships to top-tier private universities.
📋 Post-Exam Steps
Submit university preferences through the Tansiq website based on the result rounds (Phase 1, 2, or 3).
🎯 Score Uses Beyond Admission
Used for certain government job applications and eligibility for national merit-based scholarships.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Thanaweya Amma score valid?+
Permanent for the certificate; typically one to two years for university admission coordination.
How much does the Thanaweya Amma cost?+
The exam fee is $10 (approximately ₹840 in India).
How often can I retake the Thanaweya Amma?+
Students failing up to two subjects may retake them in the second session for 50% of the marks. Students failing more must repeat the academic year.
When are Thanaweya Amma results declared?+
2 to 3 weeks after the final exam of the first session.
Which universities accept the Thanaweya Amma?+
Thanaweya Amma is accepted by Over 1000 universities worldwide recognize this certificate for undergraduate admission..
Is a calculator allowed in the Thanaweya Amma?+
Yes
How should I prepare for the Thanaweya Amma?+
Preparation involves year-long intensive study, often supplemented by private tutoring and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank resources.
📝
Register for Thanaweya Amma
The gateway to higher education and the future of Egyptian students.
Register Now →
📊 Quick Facts
Official Site →
Conducted ByMinistry of Education and Technical Education (MoETE), Egypt
Year Started1953
CategorySecondary School Exit and University Entrance Examination
Last UpdatedJune 18, 2026
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