Higher-level Leaving Cert business students sat their examination on June 11, 2026, with educators describing the paper as generally fair but marked by a notably challenging compulsory Applied Business Question (ABQ).
Vincent Murray, an ASTI subject representative, noted that while the paper provided ample opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge, the ABQ proved “tricky.” The section focused on specific areas including price discrimination, staff rewards, and alternative sales promotion techniques within a case study on a mobile coffee van.
The examination also featured an unusual development. Keith Hannigan, a teacher at the Institute of Education, pointed out that the paper broke from tradition by repeating topics from the 2025 exam, such as human resources management and control. Hannigan noted that because the ABQ is compulsory, these unexpected focus areas amplified the pressure on students.
Despite these challenges, subject experts generally agreed that the paper rewarded students who engaged in consistent revision. Naomi Keenan of Studyclix noted that the short questions in Section One remained predictable and accessible. Furthermore, Katie Jones, head of business at thetuitioncentre.ie, observed that the longer questions in Section Three followed familiar syllabus structures, covering core topics like contract law, environmental responsibility, and international trade.