Competition journey
Your competition journey
From the moment you register to the national finals on 18 September 2026, here is everything you need to know about the path ahead.
How the competition is structured
AAQC is a staged national competition. Participants begin with registration and, if selected, progress through preliminary rounds before the national finals.
Each stage is designed to uphold the integrity and dignity of the competition. Participants are expected to be available for all stages relevant to their category. Details of each stage are confirmed to registered participants directly.
Key dates and milestones
Stage 1 — Registrations open
Registration opens for all categories. Participants complete the online form, select their category and submit required materials.
Stage 2 — Registrations close
The registration period closes. No late entries will be accepted after this date. Registered participants receive confirmation and next steps.
Stage 3 — Preliminary rounds
Preliminary recitation assessments take place in person or through recorded submissions depending on participant location and category.
Stage 4 — Finalists announced
Successful participants are announced as national finalists and contacted directly by the AAQC team.
Stage 5 — National finals and awards ceremony
Finalists recite before the full judging panel at the official AAQC venue. Winners are recognised during the awards ceremony.
How to prepare for each stage
The most important thing a participant can do is ensure their memorisation is solid, consistent and regularly revised — not just before the competition, but over months of preparation.
Judges do not expect perfection in every recitation. They expect evidence of genuine, deep memorisation that remains calm and reliable under pressure.
Revise your full portion regularly, not only your strongest sections.
Practice being asked to begin from unfamiliar points.
Review tajwīd rules and common recitation errors carefully.
Read the judging criteria carefully before competition day.
Arrive early, remain calm and recite with confidence.
Common questions about the journey
What happens if I cannot attend?
Contact the AAQC team as early as possible. Genuine cases may be accommodated where practical.
Will scores be released after each stage?
Scores are not released during the competition. Results are announced at the relevant stage.
What do finalists receive?
Participants receive recognition certificates. Finalists and winners receive national recognition and awards.
What if my dates change later?
Contact the AAQC team immediately. We will always try to accommodate genuine circumstances.