Buddhist Dharmacharya Certificate Examination 2026 – Application and Details
The Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka has invited applications for the Buddhist Dharmacharya Certificate Examination 2026.
This examination relates to the examinations scheduled for the years 2024 and 2025. Arrangements have been made to conduct the examination in November 2026.
⚡ Quick Information
🏛️ Institution: Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
📜 Examination: Buddhist Dharmacharya Certificate Examination 2026
📅 Relevant Years: 2024 and 2025
🗓️ Applications Open: 21 August 2026
📝 Expected Exam Month: November 2026
📚 Number of Subjects: 05
🌐 Medium: Sinhala or English
💰 Standard Exam Fee: Rs. 200
🆓 First-time Dhamma School Candidates: Free
💵 Incomplete Subject Fee: Rs. 50
📮 Application Method: Through a Dhamma School by Registered Post
🔴 Closing Date: 21 September 2026
Exam Notice
Eligibility Requirements
Every applicant should possess at least one of the following qualifications:
- Passed the Dhamma School Final Certificate Examination
- Passed the Pracheena Prarambha Examination
- Passed the Piriven Final Examination
- Passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination in six subjects with a Credit Pass in Buddhism
Application Eligibility
Applications and instructions have been sent to Dhamma Schools registered with the Department of Buddhist Affairs as of 06 November 2025.
Applicants cannot submit applications directly as independent external candidates.
A qualified person who is not applying as a regular Dhamma School candidate may apply through the nearest Dhamma School. Such candidates must pay the prescribed examination fee of Rs. 200.
Applications must be prepared in duplicate and submitted by the relevant Dhamma School principal. The original should be sent to the Commissioner General of Examinations, while the second copy should be retained by the principal.
Both copies must be signed by the Dhamma School principal.
Examination Medium
The examination will be conducted only in:
- Sinhala
- English
An applicant may sit the examination in only one selected language medium. The selected medium cannot be changed after submitting the application.
Examination Subjects
The examination consists of five subjects:
- Basic Teachings of Theravada Buddhism
- Familiarity with the Pali Language
- Abhidhamma
- Buddhist History and Culture
- Buddhist Disciplinary Practices and Buddhist Social Philosophy
Applicants must pass all five subjects to complete the examination successfully.
Examination Fees
The applicable examination fees are:
- First-time Dhamma School candidates: No examination fee
- Repeat Dhamma School candidates: Rs. 200
- Candidates applying through a Dhamma School as external applicants: Rs. 200
- Candidates completing an incomplete subject: Rs. 50
The relevant Dhamma School principal should collect the applicable fees and pay the total amount at any post office under the Department of Examinations revenue head:
Revenue Head Number: 20-03-02-13
The original receipt must be securely attached to the application. Keeping a photocopy of the receipt is recommended.
Fees paid for this examination will not be refunded or transferred to another examination.
Pass Requirements
Each subject carries a maximum of 100 marks.
The grading system is:
- 0–34 marks: Fail
- 35–54 marks: Pass
- 55–69 marks: Credit
- 70–100 marks: Distinction
Candidates must pass all five subjects.
A candidate who fails only one subject after sitting all five subjects will be considered to have an incomplete pass. The failed subject may be completed within the next three consecutive examination sittings.
Candidates who fail more than one subject must sit the complete examination again.
Examination Centres
Examination centres will be established in the listed districts and towns according to the number of applications received.
If an insufficient number of applications is received for a particular town, that centre may be cancelled and candidates may be transferred to the nearest available examination centre.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the prescribed application form using English capital letters.
The candidate’s name must be entered exactly as it appears on the National Identity Card. The National Identity Card number must also be provided.
Applications must be submitted through the relevant Dhamma School principal by registered post to:
Commissioner General of Examinations
Institutional Examinations Organization Branch
Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
Pelawatta
Battaramulla
The following must be written on the upper-left corner of the envelope:
“Buddhist Dharmacharya Certificate Examination – 2026”
The selected examination city should also be written on the envelope.
Applications received after the closing date, incomplete applications and incorrectly completed applications will be rejected without notice.
Candidates with Special Requirements
Candidates with special requirements must clearly indicate this in the application.
Copies of the relevant medical certificates should be submitted to the Department of Examinations together with a printed copy of the application.
Closing Date
Applications opened on 21 August 2026 and will close on 21 September 2026.
Applicants and Dhamma School principals are advised not to delay submission until the final date.
Official Source
Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
https://www.doenets.lk
Applicants should read the complete official notice and application instructions carefully before applying.
Source Note:This information has been prepared with reference to the official advertisement and relevant institutional sources. Applicants are advised to verify all details from the official source before applying.