This year, a certain increase in admission scores for college specialties has been observed.
It is interesting to know, how much of an increase will be observed in the passing scores for secondary vocational education institutions next year?
Education expert Kamran Asadov gave a statement to AzEdu.az regarding the topic
He noted that there has been a certain increase in admission scores for college specialties in 2025:
"Especially the increase in scores for Group III had a significant impact on the overall distribution. According to statistical data, in 2025, the average score level in Group III increased by 3-4 points compared to the previous year, which intensified competition among applicants for these groups. At the same time, the high interest in sub-bachelor specialties and the limited number of planned places further increased competition in some specialties. This trend is an important indicator in education, both in terms of quality and student selection.
Forecasts for 2026 indicate that an increase in planned places will ease competition in certain specialties, leading to stable scores, while in other popular specialties, a slight increase is expected. According to statistical comparison, if applications for sub-bachelor specialties remain high, an average increase of 2–5 points in scores is anticipated. This, in addition to providing applicants with more choices, acts as one of the factors affecting the quality of education".
The increase in planned places may reduce competition in some specialties, leading applicants not to make serious choices:
"One of the positive aspects is that the Ministry of Science and Education expands applicants' choice opportunities by increasing admission plans. This both increases the accessibility of education in the regions and raises motivation for education among students. Furthermore, the high interest in sub-bachelor programs increases the attractiveness of secondary vocational education, contributing to meeting the demand for more qualified personnel in the labor market.
The negative aspects, however, are that the increase in planned places may reduce competition in some specialties, leading applicants not to make serious choices. At the same time, an increase in admission scores may lead to additional education expenses, tutor support, and an extended preparation period for some applicants. Statistically, 68% of applicants who used tutor support in the last three years increased their scores by an average of 4–6 points. This raises issues that need to be considered in terms of both social equality and equality of educational opportunities".
A moderate increase in admission scores for college specialties is expected in 2026:
"Global experience shows that a planned increase in admission scores and the expansion of educational places are effective tools for balancing the education system. For example, in European countries, increasing places for students applying to technical and vocational specialties normalizes competition and ensures that students pay more attention to their specialty choice. In the USA and Germany, increasing planned places enhances the inclusivity of the education system by creating balanced competition among applicants.
I believe that a moderate increase in admission scores for college specialties is expected in 2026. In this process, the increase in planned places and the high interest in sub-bachelor specialties will both increase the accessibility of the education system and make competition more balanced. This step by the Ministry of Science and Education is a strategic and positive approach in education policy, as it expands students' choice opportunities, increases interest in secondary vocational education, and supports the development of vocational education in the regions".
