More than 400 administrative competitive exams, including 199 new recruitment exams and 224 promotion (professional) exams, have been opened for 2026, while six entrance exams for the National School of Administration (ENA) offering 600 positions have been announced for the 2027 intake. The announcement was made by Anne Désirée Ouloto, Minister of State in charge of the Public Service and the Modernization of the Administration.

Online registration for these exams will run 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.

Among the 199 new recruitment exams, the minister explained that there are 14 direct entry exams, 121 standard recruitment exams, 54 specific exceptional recruitment exams, and 10 recruitment exams dedicated to Ivorians in the diaspora.

Regarding the 224 promotion exams, there are 161 professional exams and 63 exceptional professional exams.

The minister highlighted several highly anticipated positions, including statistical economists, civil engineering technicians, demographers, architects, agronomists, civil aviation engineers, and medical specialists, for which the administration has significant needs.

Regarding the École nationale d'administration, she indicated that the six entrance exams are divided into three direct recruitment exams offering 450 positions (75%) and three professional exams offering 150 positions (25%). These 600 positions provide access to the middle, upper-middle, and senior cycles of the institution.

On the issue of social inclusion, Anne Désirée Ouloto announced that the measure extending the maximum age limit by two years for candidates has been maintained:

• from 40 to 42 years for grades D1 to A3,
• and from 45 to 47 years for grade A4.

Continuing the modernization efforts of previous sessions, the minister also announced that computer-based testing will now be available in two additional cities, Daloa and Korhogo, expanding the system that previously operated only in Abidjan, Abengourou, and Yamoussoukro.

Regarding the credibility of the exams, the minister reassured Ivorians that they are conducted under the principles of transparency, fairness, and efficiency. Several strong measures have been implemented to guarantee transparency and credibility, including maintaining a supervisory committee, involving regional public service directorates, digitalizing the organization process to limit human intervention and reduce fraud risks, providing online syllabi and course materials for 13 subjects, and offering online interactions with instructors.

She urged candidates and their parents to trust the system and avoid fraudulent methods.

“Beware of illusion sellers. Administrative competitive exams cannot be bought; they must be earned. Each candidate is evaluated solely on merit,” she emphasized.

To report or denounce any attempt at fraud, the toll-free number 1364 has been made available.

For reference, in 2025, 590 administrative exams had been opened, and 900 positions were available for the ENA entrance exams in 2026.