Baku, August 7 – Azerbaijan is on the verge of a significant shift in its education system, as public debate intensifies over a transition to a 12-year schooling model. While no official decision has yet been announced, the idea is gaining momentum across the country.
Speaking to Bizim.Media, education expert Elshan Gafarov emphasized that the 12-year model is standard in most countries around the world.
“Azerbaijan has been discussing the move to a 12-year education system for quite some time. The issue is also addressed in the State Strategy for Education Development, which was approved by a presidential decree. In reality, such a transition is a large-scale, phased process,” Gafarov said.
One of the proposals currently under consideration is the recognition of preschool preparatory classes as the first year of primary education.
“If implemented, this would extend the duration of primary education to five years, laying the foundation for a 12-year system. In fact, we’re a bit late in making this transition. Currently, around 190 countries already follow this model,” the expert noted.
Gafarov added that, for now, there is no official resolution or detailed roadmap for the reform.
