Examen Civique France: 2026 Guide for Indian Residents

The Examen civique France plays a key role in the country’s integration rules. It checks basic knowledge of French values, laws, and daily life. The ministère de l’intérieur manages the process as part of residence and integration steps.

The Examen civique is a mandatory multiple-choice test for many non‑EU nationals who apply for a first multi‑year residence permit or resident card starting in 2026. It often follows civic training and focuses on rights, duties, and life in France. Topics include public services, impôts, and how the State protects people and patrimoine.

This guide explains who must take the examen civique 2026, what the test includes, and what to expect on test day. It also covers what happens after the results and how to check compliance before applying.

Quick Answer: Who Needs the Examen Civique France?

The examen civique applies to many foreign nationals who plan to live in France long term. It connects to the Contrat d’Intégration Républicaine (CIR) , the formation civique , and later steps like a demande de naturalisation . The rules focus on integration in France and daily life , also known as vivre en France.

New Non-EU Residents Signing the CIR

Non-EU residents who apply for a first long-term residence permit usually must sign the CIR. This contract starts the official path of integration in France.

By signing the CIR, they agree to attend formation civique and follow any required language training. Starting January 1, 2026, many also must pass the examen civique . This exam applies to people seeking a multi-year permit, a resident card, or French nationality.

The goal is simple. France expects new residents to understand basic rights, duties, and public values before settling long term.

Typical Timeline After OFII Convocation

The OFII sends a convocation soon after the residence application. This meeting usually happens within the first months of arrival.

During this appointment, OFII explains the CIR and schedules the formation civique sessions. Language level testing also takes place at this stage. If the applicant falls under the 2026 rules, OFII explains when and how to take the examen civique.

Most people complete formation civique early in their stay. The examen civique often comes later, closer to a permit renewal, resident card request, or demande de naturalisation.

How Many Sessions

The formation civique usually includes two full-day sessions . These sessions are mandatory for most CIR signers.

Attendance matters. Missing sessions without a valid reason can delay permit renewal or future applications. The examen civique is separate. It is a single multiple-choice test with 40 questions.

To pass, candidates must score 80% or higher. Authorities run the exam through approved centers under state rules.

Themes (Rights and Duties, French Values, Laïcité)

Both the formation civique and the examen civique cover core themes. These topics focus on daily life and public rules in France.

Key areas include:

• Rights and duties : laws, equality, and respect for others

• French values : liberty, equality, fraternity, and solidarity

• Laïcité : state neutrality and freedom of belief
  

Other topics include institutions, voting rules, and basic history. The exam checks understanding, not opinions. Questions use clear language and practical examples from vivre en France.

Link To Language Placement and FLE Modules

Language assessment links closely to the CIR process. During the OFII meeting, officials test the applicant’s French level.

If the level falls below the required standard, OFII assigns FLE modules (French as a foreign language). These classes aim to reach the level needed for daily life and official steps.

From 2026, many paths require B2 French , especially for naturalization. Passing the examen civique does not replace language proof. Both language skills and civic knowledge work together in the integration process.

What’s Inside: Topics and Format

The civic exam checks knowledge of French values, daily life rules, and basic public systems. It also tests language skills and follows strict attendance and timing rules.

Republic Values, Rights and Duties

This part tests knowledge of the principes et valeurs de la République . It focuses on valeurs républicaines such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. It also covers laïcité , which means the state stays neutral toward religion.

Candidates must understand droits fondamentaux like freedom of speech and equal treatment under the law. They also need to know key droits et devoirs , such as obeying laws and respecting others.

Questions may link these ideas to daily life. Some questions include basic facts from the histoire de France and major repères historiques that shaped these principles.

Practical Life (Health, School, Work)

This section checks how well a person understands daily life in France. It includes health care access, school rules, and work conditions. Questions often focus on clear facts, not personal opinion.

Health topics include how public health care works and when to use services. School questions cover compulsory education and the role of parents. Work topics include basic worker rights and duties.

These questions reflect real situations. They test if the candidate can live and act within French society while respecting shared rules.

Administrative Basics

This part covers how public services and institutions françaises work. It focuses on simple actions, such as dealing with town halls, prefectures, and public offices.

Candidates must know who does what within the système institutionnel . This includes the role of the President, Parliament, and local authorities. It also checks basic knowledge of voting rules and civic participation.

Questions stay factual and direct. They test if the person understands the fonctionnement des institutions and can manage common administrative steps without confusion.

Attendance Rules (Mandatory)

Attendance rules apply to required civic sessions linked to the exam process. These sessions are not optional. Missing them without valid reason can affect the application.

Candidates must attend on time and follow instructions. Authorities track attendance and participation. Some sessions include identity checks.

Failure to attend may delay or block access to permits or nationality steps. The exam system expects full compliance with these rules.

Language Orientation and Assessment

The exam uses French only. Candidates must show enough language skill to understand the questions. The expected level aligns with FLE standards and daily communication needs.

All questions appear in clear French. No translation support is provided. Candidates must read and choose answers on their own.

Language assessment links to understanding civic content, not grammar theory. Clear comprehension matters more than perfect style.

Session Duration and Format

The exam uses a multiple-choice format with 40 questions . Each question has one correct answer. The session lasts about 45 minutes.

To pass, the candidate needs 32 bonnes réponses, which equals 80%. Time management matters, but the exam does not rush candidates.

The test takes place in approved centers. Staff supervise the session and enforce rules to ensure fairness for everyone.

Documents to Bring and Day-Of Tips

Candidates need to arrive prepared, with the correct papers and clear expectations. Centers apply strict checks, limit what candidates can bring inside, and follow set rules for timing and access support.

Convocation Letter

The convocation letter proves the candidate’s registration and assigned test session. The center checks it before entry, often alongside an ID.

Candidates should bring a printed copy when possible. Some centers accept a digital version on a phone, but battery or network issues can cause problems.

The letter lists the date, time, address, and rules. It may also name the approved test center and reference number.

Candidates should read it the day before the exam. They should confirm travel time and note any special instructions, such as early arrival or security checks.

If the letter includes a barcode or QR code, staff will scan it. Missing this document can lead to refusal of entry.

Passport or Titre de Séjour

The exam center requires a valid photo ID to confirm identity. Accepted documents usually include a passport or a titre de séjour.

The name on the ID must match the name on the convocation letter. Differences in spelling or order can cause delays.

The document must be original. Copies or photos do not meet the requirement.

The ID should be valid on the exam date. An expired document may lead to denial of access.

Candidates should keep the ID accessible during check-in. Staff may ask to see it again before the exam starts.

If a candidate has renewed their titre de séjour and only holds a receipt, they should check acceptance rules with the center in advance.

Proof of Address

Some centers may ask for proof of address, especially for first-time candidates or specific residence requests. This request depends on local rules.

Accepted documents often include a recent utility bill, rental receipt, or official letter. The document usually must be less than three months old.

The address should match the one used during registration. Differences can raise questions but do not always block entry.

Candidates should bring one document as a precaution, even if the convocation letter does not list it.

The center may not keep a copy. Staff often just verify the information visually.

Candidates should avoid bringing unnecessary papers. Only relevant documents reduce confusion at check-in.

Punctuality

Centers enforce strict arrival times. Late arrival can prevent access to the exam room.

Candidates should arrive at least 30 minutes early . This time allows for ID checks, seating, and instructions.

Doors may close once the exam begins. Staff rarely make exceptions, even for transport delays.

Candidates should plan for traffic, public transport issues, and security checks. They should avoid last-minute arrival.

If the convocation letter lists a check-in window, candidates must respect it. Early arrival helps reduce stress and mistakes.

Late candidates may need to rebook the exam, which can delay their application process.

Note-Taking

The examen civique uses a QCM format. Candidates cannot bring notes, books, or personal papers into the exam room.

Phones, smart watches, and bags usually stay outside or in a secure area. Centers may require lockers.

Some centers provide scrap paper or a board, if needed. Candidates must return it at the end.

The exam tests knowledge, not memorization tricks. Reviewing the livret du citoyen before the exam helps build understanding.

Practicing with examens blancs improves comfort with the question style and timing.

Candidates should read each question carefully. They should avoid rushing, since unanswered questions count as incorrect.

Accessibility and Language Support Options

The exam system includes support for personnes en situation de handicap. Candidates can request accommodations.

Possible adjustments include extra time, adapted seating, or accessible rooms. Approval usually requires advance notice and documents.

Candidates must contact the test center before the exam date. Last-minute requests often cannot be met.

The exam takes place only in French . Centers do not provide interpreters or translated versions.

Language support focuses on access, not content. Candidates must meet the required French level on their own.

Clear communication with the center helps ensure proper arrangements on exam day.

What To Do If You’re Sick or Late

If a candidate feels sick before the exam, they should not attend. They should contact the test center as soon as possible.

Centers usually require proof, such as a medical note, to allow rescheduling. Without proof, the absence may count as a missed session.

Candidates who arrive late should still report to reception. Staff will confirm whether entry remains possible.

If the center refuses access, the candidate must re-register. Fees and waiting times may apply.

Candidates should keep emails or call records. These records help explain the situation during rebooking.

Planning ahead and acting early reduces the risk of losing an exam opportunity.

What Happens After?

After the exam, the candidate receives formal proof of the result. Authorities record this proof in the residence file and use it for future decisions. Results can affect permit approval, renewals, and any required language training.

Certificate or Attestation

After passing the exam, the testing center issues a certificate or attestation of success . This document confirms the score and the exam date. It also lists the candidate’s identity details.

The center usually provides the document in digital form, paper form, or both. The candidate should check that names and dates match official IDs.

If the candidate does not pass, the center explains the result and the retake rules. Retakes follow the same official format and scoring rules.

Key points to check on the document:

1. Full name and date of birth

2. Exam date and score

3. Name of the approved testing body
   

How It’s Recorded for Residency Files

Approved testing bodies transmit results to the préfecture or make them available for upload. The candidate often adds the certificate to the residence application file.

For a carte de séjour pluriannuelle or a carte de résident , the préfecture reviews the exam result with other required documents. These include identity papers, proof of address, and income records.

Some systems link results directly to the file. Others rely on the applicant to submit proof. Missing proof can delay processing.

Common submission methods:

• Online portal upload

• In-person appointment

• Request by mail from the préfecture
  

Impact on Future Residence Permits or Renewals

A valid exam result supports applications for long-term permits. It shows civic knowledge required under the 2026 rules.

For first-time requests, the result often acts as a mandatory condition . For renewals, rules may differ. Many renewals do not require retaking the exam if the result already appears in the file.

For naturalisation française, the exam result strengthens the application. Authorities still review language level, work history, and integration.

Failure to meet exam requirements can pause a decision. The préfecture may ask for a new exam attempt before moving forward.

Next Steps (FLE Training if Prescribed)

If authorities find gaps in language or civic knowledge, they may prescribe FLE training . FLE means French as a foreign language.

The candidate receives a notice that lists training hours and deadlines. Attendance becomes mandatory. Completion can affect permit approval.

Training often focuses on daily French, civic values, and public life. Approved providers report attendance and completion.

Possible outcomes after training:

• Validation of integration steps

• Permission to reapply or continue the file

• Request for additional training if goals are not met
  

Keeping Proofs

The candidate should keep all exam and training records. These documents matter for future steps.

Proofs may be requested years later for a carte de résident upgrade or naturalisation française. Digital systems change, but paper proof stays useful.

Good practice includes saving copies in multiple formats. Clear file names help during uploads or appointments.

Documents to keep:

• Exam certificate or attestation

• Training completion records

• Emails or letters from the préfecture
  

Loss of proof can slow decisions and require extra steps. Keeping records avoids delays.

Free 15-Min France Compliance Check with EduMox

EduMox offers a free 15-minute compliance check for people preparing for the Examen civique France . The session helps candidates understand if they meet key requirements tied to residence permits starting in 2026.

The check focuses on clear facts. An advisor reviews the candidate’s situation and flags gaps related to the civic exam, timing, and documents. The session stays short and practical.

What EduMox covers in 15 minutes:

• Eligibility for the civic exam under current rules

• Which permit type applies (CSP or CR)

• Exam format basics (40 questions, 45 minutes, 80% to pass)

• Next steps to prepare with free or paid tools
  

The session does not replace legal advice. It gives direction and saves time by avoiding common mistakes.

EduMox runs the check online. No long forms are required. Candidates can book the session before starting practice or while studying to confirm they stay on track.