Buddhist Dharmacharya Exam 2026 – Overview

Who Can Apply?

According to the official examination notice, an applicant must satisfy at least one of the specified educational qualifications.

• Passed the Dhamma School Final Certificate Examination; or
• Passed the Prachina Prarambha Examination; or
• Passed the Piriven Final Examination; or
• Passed six subjects at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination with a Credit Pass in Buddhism.

Language Medium

The Buddhist Dharmacharya Certificate Examination 2026 will be conducted only in Sinhala and English. Applicants may sit the examination in only one selected language medium, and the medium stated in the application cannot be changed later.

How to Apply for Buddhist Dharmacharya Exam 2026

Applications are handled through Dhamma Schools. Applicants should therefore contact the relevant Dhamma School principal and follow the instructions in the official application document.

The completed application should be prepared according to the official instructions and submitted through the Dhamma School principal. The original application is required to be forwarded by registered post to the Department of Examinations.

Postal Address

Examination Fees

Buddhist Dharmacharya Exam Subjects

The examination consists of five subjects:

1. Basic Teachings of Theravada Buddhism
2. Buddhist Discipline and Pali Language Familiarity
3. Abhidhamma
4. Buddhist History and Culture
5. Buddhist Social Philosophy

Pass Marks & Grades

Candidates are normally required to pass all five subjects. Where a candidate passes four subjects but fails only one subject, the official rules provide an opportunity to complete that remaining subject within the permitted subsequent examination attempts.

Download Buddhist Dharmacharya Application 2026

The PDF below contains the official examination notice, instructions and application form. Applicants should read the entire document before completing the application.

Important Instructions for Applicants

• Check your eligibility before completing the application.
• Enter the applicant's name correctly according to the National Identity Card.
• The required identification number must be entered correctly.
• Choose the examination medium carefully because it cannot be changed later.
• Applications should be submitted through the relevant Dhamma School.
• Incomplete or late applications may be rejected.
• Keep copies of relevant receipts and documents for future reference.