Get ready, students: 2026 SPM schedule to be announced today

Kota Bharu, August 18 — The 2026 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam timetable is anticipated to be disclosed later today following the approval from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, revealed Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad. The proposed enhancements to the examination schedule will be shared by the deputy director of the Examination Syndicate with Fadhlina today for assessment and endorsement.

"If there are no concerns, we will release (the 2026 SPM schedule) this evening too," he stated to reporters after the transfer of a bus at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Naim Lilbanat here today. Dr Azam said the formulation of the new schedule factored in viewpoints from various stakeholders, addressing concerns about the placement of specific examination papers towards the end of the examination period.

"In light of all the perspectives, we aim to make certain enhancements to the SPM exam timetable, but we require time to converse with the parties concerned," he explained. Additional elements under examination included the Northeast Monsoon, potential haze occurrences at the year's end, and the school holiday period to guarantee the schedule wouldn't impact the State Education Department (JPN), District Education Office (PPD) and schools.

"We are analyzing everything, which is why when we wish to make alterations, I want this (SPM 2026 Schedule) to be examined meticulously," he said. Emphasizing the significance of considering state and school-level circumstances, as well as candidates' and parents' interests, Dr Azam said the Ministry of Education aims to provide the best outcome for JPN, PPD and schools, particularly for the SPM examinees and their parents.

When queried if the Northeast Monsoon factor on the East Coast was a primary consideration, Dr Azam affirmed that it was taken into account alongside other weather factors such as the unpredictable haze. He mentioned informing the minister of the proposal in a meeting yesterday and providing an initial overview of the suggested modifications.

Recently, worries from parents and candidates concerning the 2026 SPM examination date and schedule have gained traction on social media, with some questioning the delay in announcing the schedule.