The Lebanese Cabinet approved a measure exempting students from sitting the official exams, citing the difficult security conditions facing the country. Instead, final certification will be based on students’ school grades and academic records.

The decision follows weeks of debate over whether the examinations should proceed despite continued regional tensions and recent violence affecting civilians. Education Minister Rima Karami had previously maintained that the examination schedule would remain unchanged.

Public pressure intensified after the death of university student Theodosia James Karam, along with her father and brother, in an airstrike. The incident sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls from students, parents, and activists to suspend or postpone the examinations.

Following the Cabinet meeting, the Ministry of Education confirmed that students seeking the secondary school certificate and the technical baccalaureate would be exempted from official examinations for the current academic year.

The announcement prompted scenes of celebration in several cities and towns, with students gathering in public spaces to mark the decision.

Government officials said the move was intended to protect students and ensure educational continuity during a period of instability while providing a fair alternative assessment mechanism through school-based evaluations.

The cancellation marks one of the most significant changes to Lebanon’s examination system in recent years and reflects the broader impact of the country’s security situation on educational institutions and students.