The distinction people miss
The ministerial decree of 17 August 2026 made exams 50% multiple choice and 50% essay — but that is for years two and three, not first secondary.
The first-year paper specification still says 85% multiple choice and 15% short essay.
From actual specifications
- Integrated science: multiple choice, one mark each, 85% (20 marks); two essay questions at two marks each, 15% (4 marks); time two hours.
- History: 85% multiple choice, 15% short essay, an hour and a half, and the student may answer the essay question with any sound answer within what was studied.
- Question levels: comprehension 50%, application and skill 40%, higher levels 10%.
Paper or tablet?
Mid-year exams for first and second secondary are sat with the 85% multiple choice electronically on tablets, the essay part (15%) on paper, with three versions of each paper prepared and paper backups. Specifications come from the National Centre for Examinations.
How to study for a mostly-MCQ paper
- Coverage beats extra depth. A question can come from any paragraph.
- Study the fine distinctions. Multiple choice is built on confusing two similar things.
- Solve many questions. That is the real practice, not re-reading.
- The 15% essay is won by structure: definition, reason, example. Done.
- Practise on a screen if your exam is on a tablet.
And classwork?
This exam is only 30% of the subject mark. The full breakdown
On GoBachaloria
Every subject has teachers to choose between, and the first 5 videos are free. First-year subjects
Sources
- Decree: 50% MCQ and 50% essay for years two and three — Youm7, 17 August 2026
- The decree covers years two and three only — Masrawy, 17 August 2026
- Integrated science specification: 85% MCQ, 15% essay, two hours — Youm7, 29 December 2025
- History specification for first secondary, 90 minutes — El Watan, 3 April 2025
- Mid-year exams on tablets, three versions per subject — Youm7, 6 January 2026