Afghanistan

Afghanistan: This year’s kankor exam results announced

The Taliban-run examination authority announced the results of the 1404 (2025) national university entrance exam, or Kankor, on Sunday, naming Seyyed Musa Sadaat, a graduate of Pamir-e Nawin Private High School in Kabul, as this year’s top scorer.

Sadaat earned 356.57415 points, securing admission to the Faculty of General Medicine at Kabul University of Medical Sciences (also known as Abu Ali Sina University).

The Taliban-run National Examination Authority said that out of 154,800 candidates, more than 81,000 passed the exam — a 69 percent success rate. The official announcement was made by Abdul Baqi Haqqani, the Taliban’s head of the examination office, during a press event in Kabul.

According to Haqqani, 77,000 students were admitted to higher education institutions, while another 34,000 secured placement in semi-higher education programs.

Success rates varied by program, including Islamic studies: 59 percent, evening programs: 99 percent and technical and vocational (14-grade) tracks: 53 percent.

Top five scorers

Seyyed Musa Sadaat, son of Seyyed Dawood Sadaat — 356.57415

Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Graduate of Pamir-e Nawin Private High School, Kabul

Mohammad Nazir, son of Mohammad Taher — 356.57414

Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Graduate of Pamir-e Nowin Private High School, Kabul

Hamza, son of Abdul Latif — 353.53316

Abu Ali Sina University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Graduate of Ghulam Haidar Khan High School, Kabul

Esmatullah, son of Bismillah — 353.28308

Abu Ali Sina University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Graduate of Ibrahim Khalilullah High School, Kabul

Wakman, son of Amirullah — 353.28307

Nangarhar University, Faculty of Medicine

Graduate of Sordak High School, Kabul

Despite the announcement of successful candidates, girls once again remained barred from participating in this year’s university entrance exams — a policy introduced after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The move has drawn ongoing criticism from international rights organizations and educators, who warn of long-term consequences for Afghanistan’s development and gender equality.