More than 41,000 Grade 12 students across Papua New Guinea will soon sit the 2026 Written Expression Examination on Monday, August 3, with the Department of Education confirming it is fully prepared to administer the national assessment.

A total of 41,149 students from 249 secondary schools and seven National Schools of Excellence will take part in the examination, one of the key assessments for Grade 12 students.

The Department said all examination papers and related materials have been delivered to provinces and schools ahead of the exam through the Measurement Services Division.

Students also received their Written Expression Examination resource booklets on Monday, July 27, giving them a week to study the reading materials, examine the prompts and prepare their essays before the examination.

Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra commended the Measurement Services Division, provincial education authorities and school principals for ensuring the timely distribution of the examination materials.

"This examination is a critical milestone for our Grade 12 students as they prepare for their future academic journeys.”

"With the resource booklets now in their hands, I urge all students to utilize this week wisely, focus on their reading, and prepare thoroughly for Monday's exam."

He also wished all 41,149 candidates across the country success as they prepare to sit the national exam next week.