The written exams for the 2026 Baccalaureate began this Monday, June 15th. At the Emmanuel Dioulo school complex in Plateau (Abidjan), the atmosphere was both serene and highly symbolic. In this unique examination center, 71 candidates with disabilities proudly sat for the exams alongside their fellow citizens, illustrating Côte d'Ivoire's progress in equal opportunity.

A tailor-made system to guarantee fairness

The profiles of these 71 inspiring candidates are distributed as follows:

1. 38 visually impaired people;
2. 19 hearing impaired;
3. 14 candidates with reduced mobility.

Enrolled in general, technical, and artistic programs, these students benefit from rigorous logistical support. On site, the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) was able to observe the effectiveness of the arrangements put in place to allow them to take their exams under optimal conditions.

The "third time": a major advantage

To compensate for the logistical difficulties related to disability, a crucial fairness measure was introduced: a time bonus equivalent to a quarter of the regulatory time .

“For a four-hour exam, candidates are given an additional hour,” explains Tra Sylvie, Deputy Director of Education for All at the Ministry of National Education. She clarifies, however, that the exam questions are exactly the same as in regular centers.

"They must remain calm, because they are true champions. Long perceived as vulnerable, they are now fully integrated thanks to the policy of compulsory schooling and inclusive education," she adds confidently.

Focus on higher education and the future

The support for these high school graduates will not end at the exam hall doors. Diarra Kadidiata Badji, Director of Examinations and Competitions (DECO), is adamant: "Candidates with disabilities have the same opportunities as other students."

For the continuation of their academic journey, several suitable support structures are ready, including:

1. INSAAC (National Higher Institute of Arts and Cultural Action);
2. The Virtual University of Ivory Coast (UVCI) , an option particularly popular with students with reduced mobility due to its flexibility.

Towards a decentralization of examination centers

Inclusive education in Ivory Coast continues to take shape. The DECO highlights the pivotal role of school life assistants and specialized educators, essential for supporting students with specific needs (such as autism spectrum disorders or learning difficulties).

Another major innovation is under consideration: the decentralization of examination centers . The future objective is to allow these candidates to take their exams directly in their home regions, thus sparing them long journeys and tiring logistical constraints.

The 2026 Baccalaureate in figures

Nationally, these 71 candidates are part of a huge cohort:

1. 329,372 candidates in total (303,625 in general, 25,150 in technical and 597 in artistic);
2. 549 composition centers spread across the entire territory;
3. Key dates: Tests from June 15 to 19; announcement of results on July 6 .

At the heart of this formidable logistical machine, these 71 candidates from Plateau perfectly embody the new face of the Ivorian school: a system that is transforming itself to put inclusion, equity and human dignity at the center of its priorities.