The results of the graduation exam have already been announced, and the statistics that emerged have caused serious discussions. Thus, the number of people who scored the maximum result - 300 points in the exam was only 3.
After the exam, the vast majority of applicants complained about the difficulty of the questions, and the results confirmed these dissatisfactions to some extent. Although the results of the other graduation exam have not yet been announced, the students who participated in that exam also complained about the difficulty in a similar way.
Against the background of this situation, one of the main questions is: will the passing scores decrease during admission? Let's remember that last year there was a serious increase in admission scores. What about this year?
Speaking to AzEdu.az on the topic, Doctor of Philosophy, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Young Scientists, Doctoral Students and Masters Society, Ilgar Orujov noted that the evaluation mechanisms applied by the State Examination Center are observed to have a more precise selective function this year:
“The statistical indicators of the graduation exam held on March 9 give serious signals regarding the formation of passing scores, and it is possible to predict the current situation by taking into account several factors.
First of all, the decrease in average indicators attracts attention. Passing scores depend not only on the individual preparation level of the applicants, but also on the difficulty level of the exam and the scores collected by other participants in the general competitive environment. For example, if the number of those who showed maximum results last year was 23, and this year this number has dropped to 3, this indicates that the questions have a higher differentiation ability. At the same time, the evaluation mechanisms applied by the State Examination Center have had a more precise selective function this year.
If in previous years the majority of questions focused more on knowledge, understanding and comprehension levels, this year the weight of application, analysis and synthesis level tasks has increased in the exams. This methodological approach allows for a more precise differentiation between applicants with high academic potential and those with average preparation.
As a result, increasing the difficulty level of the tests makes the maximum result more unattainable, while strengthening the effectiveness of the exam as a measurement tool and the objectivity of the competitive environment. However, this situation results in a decrease in the overall average score, which directly increases the probability of passing scores decreasing compared to previous years.”
When the difficulty level of the questions is high, the overall results decrease, which directly affects the passing scores:
“Last year, especially in the 250-300 score range, there was a serious density, and for this reason, the passing scores in specialties requiring high scores increased sharply. This year, it is possible to observe certain decreases in passing scores against the background of a decrease in that density.
Since there is a sparsity in that score interval this year, especially in ranked specialties, passing scores are expected to remain stable or decrease. This means a relatively weaker competition in high-score specialties. Here, block exams will definitely play a decisive role. The graduation exam constitutes 300 points of the total result, which is approximately 43 percent on a 700-point scale. If the results in the March 9 and subsequent exams are low, the fate of the passing scores will mainly depend on the block exams to be held in July.
If the block exams are also prepared with the same methodology, i.e., with more analytical and complex questions, a serious decrease in passing scores seems inevitable. In other words, if the difficulty level of the questions is high, the overall results will decrease, which will directly affect the passing scores.”
Applicants who showed low results in the March 9 exam should accept this not as an individual failure, but as part of a general trend:
“Last year, high scores were mostly explained by the relatively easy nature of the exam. This year, it seems that the State Examination Center is trying to bring the results closer to a more realistic and objective level. This means that the probability of the record increases observed last year being repeated this year is low. Applicants who showed low results in the March 9 exam should accept this not as an individual failure, but as part of a general trend. Difficult questions are difficult for everyone, and this can ultimately affect the decrease in passing scores.
In this regard, applicants should not be discouraged and should continue their preparations. It is hoped that by showing better results in the block exams, they will be able to be admitted to the specialties and universities they desire.”
