Applications to Open Tomorrow for 38th National Qur’an Competition

News

Registration for the 38th National Qur’an Competition is set to begin tomorrow, following a series of significant updates to the tournament’s structure. The National Centre for the Holy Qur’an has announced that interested participants can submit their applications through the official website portal until May 18.

In a move to elevate the contest's quality and ensure equal opportunities, the Centre has implemented new rules. Starting in 2026, the competition will transition to a more rigorous three-tier format consisting of an Audition Round, a Semi-Final, and a Grand Final.

Competition Structure and Eligibility

The competition is open to Maldivian residents under the age of 26. Participants will compete across eight distinct age groups on an individual basis, with a dedicated category maintained for Huffaz.

1. The Audition Round: Registered participants will initially compete in auditions held in Malé and designated islands. To ensure accessibility, the Centre will allow participants to audition at the location closest to them.
2. The Semi-Finals: Only 500 participants—specifically those who score within the top 80 percent of their respective categories—will advance to the semi-final stage.
3. The Final Round: The competition narrows further for the finals, requiring a minimum score of 85 percent. Only the top 150 performers will qualify for the final stage held in Malé. Participants traveling from the islands for this stage will be provided with a travel allowance.

Prestigious Awards and Recognition

The competition will crown the top three winners in three main areas: Recitation, Recitation by Heart, and the Hafiz category. Winners will be honored with the prestigious Presidential Award.

Beyond the trophies, the stakes are high this year. The government has announced a special Presidential Scholarship for the winners of each category. This grant provides a fully-funded path for winners to pursue higher education in their chosen field, covering everything from undergraduate studies to a postgraduate degree in a country of their choice.