As of my last update, I do not have access to real-time databases or the ability to retrieve current statistics. Therefore, I cannot provide an exact number of high school students taking the 2026 exam in New York. However, it is important to note that the number of students taking standardized exams like the New York State Regents Exams can vary significantly from year to year based on a variety of factors.

One primary factor influencing the number of students taking these exams is the overall enrollment in New York's public high schools. According to the New York State Education Department, as of the 2021-2022 school year, there were approximately 1,080,000 students enrolled in grades 9-12 across the state. This figure includes both public and charter schools. Given that the Regents Exams are typically taken by high school seniors, we can estimate that a significant portion of these students, potentially around 30-40%, would be taking the exams in their senior year.

Another factor to consider is the state's graduation requirements, which include passing certain Regents Exams. For example, students must pass five Regents exams to graduate, including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and one additional exam of their choice. This requirement ensures that a substantial number of students will be taking the exams each year.

Data from the New York State Education Department shows that in the 2020-2021 school year, approximately 580,000 students took the Regents Exams. This number includes students from all grade levels, but a significant portion of these students would be seniors. Assuming a similar number of students took the exams in the following years, we can estimate that around 580,000 students, or more, could be taking the 2026 exams.

It is also worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on standardized testing, including the Regents Exams. Many states, including New York, have implemented alternative assessments or modified testing schedules to accommodate the challenges posed by the pandemic. This could affect the number of students taking the exams in 2026.

In conclusion, while I cannot provide an exact number of high school students taking the 2026 exam in New York, it is reasonable to estimate that the number could be around 580,000 or more, based on historical data and current enrollment figures. The actual number may vary depending on factors such as graduation requirements, state policies, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.