Applications for the 38th National Quran Recitation Competition will open on Sunday, following revisions to the competition rules.

The National Centre for the Holy Quran stated that applications will be accepted through its online portal from Sunday until 18 May.

The centre said the revised rules are aimed at expanding access for participants while enhancing the overall quality and competitiveness of the competition.

Under the new framework, the competition is open to all Maldivian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria and are under the age of 26. Participants will compete on an individual basis. Previously, the competition included separate tracks for Hafiz participants and school-based entries, which were often organised through institutions.

The structure of the competition has also been updated to include three stages: auditions, semi-finals and finals. Auditions will be conducted for applicants who submit forms within the registration period and will take place in selected islands across the atolls as well as in Malé City, allowing participants to attend at a convenient location.

From the audition stage, the top 500 participants in each category who score above 80 per cent will advance to the semi-finals. In the next stage, the top 150 participants in each category who score above 85 per cent will qualify for the final round.

The final stage will be held in Malé City, with allowances provided for participants travelling from the atolls. Winners will be selected across multiple categories, including recitation with and without memorisation, as well as the Hafiz category, with first, second and third places awarded.

The competition will feature eight age categories in addition to the Hafiz category.

Winners will also be eligible for a Presidential Scholarship, enabling them to pursue studies up to PhD level in a field and country of their choice.