12 million students return to classrooms as Iraq begins second semester

BAGHDAD — More than 12 million pupils and students returned to classrooms across Iraq on Sunday with the start of the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, following the end of the winter break.

Education Ministry spokesperson Karim al-Sayyid said the ministry completed logistical and technical preparations to ensure a smooth start. Preparations included readying schools, following up on examination committees and organizing grading of midyear exam papers.

Al-Sayyid told the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper that results will be announced in a decentralized manner based on each school’s completion of grading.

He said school hours will not be reduced during Ramadan. The general directorates of education in Baghdad and the governorates will oversee implementation of the academic plan to complete curriculum requirements.

The academic year began Sept. 21. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited Al-Sadrain Secondary School for Outstanding Students in Sadr City, where he rang the bell to mark the start of the year alongside Education Minister Ibrahim al-Jubouri.