New rules have been introduced for the annual National Quran Recitation Competition.

The National Centre for the Holy Quran stated that the revisions are designed to provide more equal access for participants while strengthening the quality and competitiveness of the competition.

Under the new rules, 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 featured separate tracks for Hafiz participants and school-based entries, which were often organised through institutions.

The competition structure has also been revised into three stages: auditions, semi-finals, and finals. Auditions will be conducted among applicants who submit forms within the registration period, and will be held 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. The top 150 participants in each category who score above 85 per cent in the semi-finals 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 include eight age categories in addition to the Hafiz category. Registration for this year’s competition is expected to open soon.

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. In addition, winners and the institution securing first place in the institutional category will each receive MVR 100,000 along with a Presidential Plaque of Honour.