Exam Dates and Rules

This page contains only essential information relating to examination dates, pass marks, progression requirements, and other practical examination details.

For more detailed information regarding our examination philosophy, the purpose and role of examinations, revision guidance, the probationary period, and related academic policies, please refer to this page.

Term 1 (Exams: Year 1 and Year 2 Only)

Revision: Monday 12th Oct -  Thursday  15th October

Exams (Oral): Friday 16th October

Details regarding the Term 1 exams can be found here.

Term 2 2026-2027*

Full-Time Timetable

Part-Time Timetable

Revison Start Dates Full-Time

Year 1: Monday, 30th November

Year 2: Wednesday, 18th November

Year 3-4: Monday, 16th November

Dawrah: Friday, 20th November

Revison Start Dates Part-Time

Year 1: Monday, 30th November

Year 2-5: Monday, 23rd November

Term 4 2026-2027*

Timetable

Pass Mark

To achieve automatic promotion students must attain at least 80% of points available and not score below 70% in any book. 

For Year 1 the pass mark is firm and non-negotiable. Students who who do not meet the pass mark will not be permitted to progress to Year 2. 

For Years 2 and above, students who do not meet the pass mark, or who miss examinations for a genuine reason, the institute will consider their circumstances carefully. Factors such as attendance, effort and overall performance throughout the year will be taken into account.

Each case will be reviewed individually and a decision made accordingly.

Note

Even though the pass mark may initially appear high especially for the first year, it reflects the importance of the foundational material studied in the early years.

The concepts examined are core principles that are used repeatedly throughout the programme. A strong understanding of these fundamentals is therefore essential for success in the later years. Whilst the standard is demanding, it is entirely achievable for students who attend regularly, participate actively and revise consistently.

Past Papers

Past papers for each book and subject can be viewed on the Resources page for that book. 

Students should assume that questions may be asked from any part of the prescribed examination syllabus. It is therefore important to revise the entire examination area rather than focusing on selected sections or attempting to predict which topics are most likely to appear.

If a teacher decides to reduce or exclude any part of the examination content, this will always be communicated in writing on Microsoft Teams. Students should therefore revise the full syllabus unless they receive written notification stating otherwise.

To avoid misunderstandings, verbal comments or informal discussions regarding examination content should not be relied upon. Only information communicated in writing by the teacher on Microsoft Teams should be regarded as the official examination guidance.

Onsite Examinations

Attendance

Students residing within Leicester must attend examinations onsite, even if they normally attend classes online. Online examinations will only be permitted where prior approval has been granted by the administration for a genuine reason.

Online submissions from students residing within Leicester will not be accepted.

Timings

Examinations take place during normal class hours.

Students must arrive at the normal class start time. Any student arriving after the examination has begun will have their paper classified as a non-invigilated examination.

Students are not permitted to leave the examination hall after the examination has commenced. Any student who leaves the hall will have their paper classified as a non-invigilated examination.

General Rules

• Use only black or blue ink.

• Pencils and other coloured pens are not permitted.

Tips

• It is recommended to read all parts of a single question before attempting to answer. This will give a better idea of what needs to be explained in each part. Often, students write in one part what is being asked in an upcoming part.

• Students are encouraged to write their answers in Arabic where appropriate. Additional marks may be awarded for this.

Where a question requires an explanation, students should demonstrate understanding in their own words. Reproducing the wording of the textbook or notes will not be accepted.

Rules for Online Examinations

Receiving Examination Papers

Online students will receive examination papers through the online learning platform.

In some cases, Part-Time students may receive examination papers as a PDF via email.

Virtual Examination Hall

All students must join the virtual examination hall at the normal class start time using the link provided.

Brothers and sisters will have separate virtual examination halls to maintain privacy.

The virtual examination hall will be locked once the examination has started. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

Camera Guidelines

All students must  have their cameras turned on for the full duration of the exam.

The camera must be positioned clearly so that both the student’s face and their writing surface are fully visible at all times.
Students using a device such as a computer or tablet are required to share both their device screen and their camera for the full duration of the exam. This requirement also applies to students who are viewing the exam paper on a computer or tablet but writing their answers on lined paper.

If the camera is not turned on, not positioned correctly, or if the screen is not shared, the exam will not be marked.

If the camera is disconnected for a prolonged period, repeatedly turned off, or the student cannot be adequately monitored during the examination, the paper may not be accepted. 

Completing Papers

Students may:

• Print the paper and write directly on it.

• Complete the paper electronically.

Students choosing to complete the examination electronically should ensure that their work is saved regularly. The institute cannot accept responsibility for lost work resulting from technical issues.

• Write their answers on lined paper.

Submitting Completed Exam Papers

After completing the exam, students should scan all the papers and save them as a PDF.

Exam papers which are not scanned correctly may be rejected and not be marked.

Click here for help on how to scan documents.

Students must remain in the exam hall until they have completed and submitted their exam. Leaving the exam hall before submission is not allowed.

The PDF should be sent to exam@alqalaminstitute.org with the subject line as the candidate number, candidate name and subject. e.g 16-001 Muhammad Diwan FSTU Nahw.

Submission Deadline

Full-Time: 

12:00 PM (UK Time) 

Part-Time: 

Sisters: 7:30 PM (UK Time)

Brothers:

Session 1 (5:00 PM): 7:30 PM (UK Time)

Session 2 (5:50 PM): 8:20 PM (UK Time)

Session 3 (6:15 PM): 8:45 PM (UK Time)

Exams submitted after the submission deadline may be penalised with a 10% deduction in marks. 

Misc

If a student is unable to sit the exam because of extreme circumstances, they should contact the admin in advance and discuss their situation.

The institute can not accommodate early or late sittings.

The institute may conduct an oral exam of any written paper to ensure the student can verbally answer the questions as they have written in the exam.  

Any student found cheating will be subject to immediate removal from the madrasah.

Insha'Allah, exam papers and results will usually be returned within 21 madrasah days after the last exam.

Note:

Online papers which were not scanned correctly may not be returned.