
Iran’s Future Minds: National PhD Exam Underscores Strategic Investment in Human Capital
Tehran, Iran – The release of entry cards for Iran’s 1405 (Persian calendar) national PhD entrance examination marks a significant moment, underscoring the nation’s steadfast commitment to human capital development and advanced education. Available online from Sunday, January 9th, these cards pave the way for over 172,000 aspiring doctoral candidates who represent the future of Iran’s academic and professional landscape.
Record Participation Reflects National Ambition
A total of 172,042 applicants are set to participate in this year’s PhD examination, reflecting a broader national strategy to cultivate skilled professionals and researchers crucial for Iran’s progress. Notably, female applicants constitute 47% of the total, a 2% increase from the previous year. This growing participation highlights the expanding role of women in advanced academic pursuits and signals a positive trend in societal development.
Nationwide Reach and Strategic Disciplines
Scheduled for Friday, February 13th, the comprehensive examination will be administered across an extensive network of 159 main and 531 sub-locations in 125 cities nationwide. This widespread accessibility demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities to citizens across all regions. The exam covers seven academic groups, with the Humanities drawing the largest interest, accounting for 67% of applicants across 30 exam sets. Technical and Engineering fields follow with 15% of applicants across 20 sets, highlighting areas of strategic focus for national development and innovation.
Evolving Assessment for Academic Excellence
In a move aimed at refining the evaluation process for future researchers, the ‘Academic Aptitude’ section has been removed from the 1405 semi-centralized PhD exam. This adjustment, based on a resolution by the Higher Education Assessment and Admissions Council, reflects an ongoing effort to ensure the examination process effectively identifies candidates best suited for advanced research and contributes to the nation’s academic excellence.
Candidate Guidelines
To ensure a smooth examination process, all candidates are required to present their printed examination entry card along with a national ID card or a valid photo identification for entry. Adherence to these guidelines is essential for participation in this pivotal national academic event.

