More than 400 administrative competitive exams have been opened for 2026, including 199 new recruitment exams and 224 promotion (professional) exams. In addition, six entrance exams have been announced for the 2027 intake at the National School of Administration (ENA), with a total of 600 positions available. This announcement was made by the Minister of State, Minister of Public Service and Modernization of Administration, Anne Désirée Ouloto Lamizana.
Online registration for these exams will take place from March 16 to April 30.
The announcement was made during a press conference launching the exams on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Abidjan-Plateau.
Regarding the 199 new recruitment exams, the minister explained that they include 14 direct competitive exams, 121 recruitment exams, 54 specific exceptional recruitment exams and 10 recruitment exams reserved for Ivorians living in the diaspora.
For the 224 promotion exams, there are 161 professional exams and 63 exceptional professional exams.
The minister highlighted several highly demanded positions, including statistical economist engineers, civil engineering engineers (all options), demographers, architects, agronomist engineers, civil aviation engineers and medical specialists, for which the administration has a strong need.
Concerning the ENA, the six entrance exams are divided into three direct exams offering 450 places (75%) and three professional exams offering 150 places (25%). These 600 positions provide access to the three training cycles: Middle, Upper Middle and Higher.
Speaking about social inclusion, Anne Désirée Ouloto Lamizana announced that the two-year extension of the age limit for candidates has been maintained. The age limit is now 40 to 42 years for grades D1 to A3 and 45 to 47 years for grade A4.
Continuing the reforms from previous sessions, the minister also announced the extension of computer-assisted examinations to two additional cities: Daloa and Korhogo, in addition to the existing centers in Abidjan, Abengourou and Yamoussoukro.
Regarding the credibility of the exams, the minister reassured Ivorians that the process is based on the principles of transparency, fairness and efficiency. Several measures have been introduced to strengthen integrity, including the maintenance of a supervisory board, the involvement of regional public service directorates in organizing the exams, the digitalization of the entire process to reduce human intervention and limit risks of fraud and corruption, the online availability of syllabi and learning materials for the 13 subjects, as well as online interactions with trainers.
She urged candidates and parents to trust the system and avoid fraudulent practices, stressing that administrative exams cannot be bought and that each candidate is judged solely on merit and ability.
To report or denounce any attempted fraud, the toll-free number 1364 has been made available.
For reference, 590 administrative exams were opened in 2025, and 900 places were available for ENA entrance exams for the 2026 intake.