On July 14, Uzbekistan officially began its higher education entrance examinations. The tests, which will last 10 days, involve more than 664,000 applicants. Exams are conducted in 64 large closed buildings across the country, with two shifts per day.
In Tashkent, the main venues are the Yoshlik sports complex and the Uzexpocenter. A correspondent visited these sites on July 17, capturing the process on video and interviewing applicants and their relatives.
At Uzexpocenter, tests are held in 4 pavilions and 2 atriums. Each building is equipped with cameras and air conditioning. Applicants and parents generally praised the exam conditions.
Komila from Khorezm graduated this year and applied for the first time, choosing law. “Before the exam, I was most worried about English because we studied French at school. I took tutoring in math and law,” she said. About 50-60% of questions matched her preparation.
Munisa from Tashkent region applied for the tenth time, aiming to study pedagogy. “Over ten years, family responsibilities prevented full preparation. After my children grew up, I prepared seriously and obtained a national certificate in native language and literature,” she said. She was satisfied with the exam conditions.
Abbos from Tashkent applied for law for the second time. In 2024, he failed to score enough points, then served a year in the army. With a benefit, he decided to try again.
Abu Rayhan Beruni from Payariq district brought his grandson Javohir to the exam. “His dream is to become a prosecutor. I wished him luck and prayed. Now it depends on his effort and fate,” he said.
Shahlo Akhmedova from Bostanlyk district said her younger son is taking the exam for the first time. She advised him not to rush. “What worries me most is that we cannot see the conditions inside. In previous years, we could watch via screen, but not this year,” she noted. She also criticized the lack of fans and shade for parents outside.
At the Yoshlik sports complex, exams run in two shifts. The building has 38 video cameras and 8 large air conditioners. 95 teachers serve as proctors under contract.
Nurzod from Buka district graduated this year and applied for the first time. He finished the test in 25 minutes. “Honestly, admission is not a life-or-death matter for me. We have a family business. But I still want a higher education,” he said.
Abdulazim Abdullayev from Tashkent graduated last year but didn't apply then. He is taking the exam for the first time. “I solved Turkish questions easily, I think without mistakes. Math was harder,” he said. He suggests allowing applicants to choose their compulsory subjects.
Muqaddam Tursunova from Yunusabad district said her daughter Mavluda applied for architecture. “Due to family circumstances, we couldn't afford a tutor; she relied on school knowledge,” she said. Muqaddam believes the test time should be increased.
Tolib Otaqulov from Kitab district accompanied his grandson. “He didn't attend tutoring, only school knowledge. If he is admitted on a contract basis, we will definitely pay for his education,” he said.
Overall, applicants and parents positively assessed the exam organization, but noted some shortcomings: lack of observation for parents, hot weather, and time pressure.
Source: www.gazeta.uz