Azerbaijan.US
University students in Azerbaijan are voicing concerns over what they describe as an overly compressed exam schedule during the winter semester.
According to students from several higher education institutions, exams are often held with minimal breaks in between – in some cases on consecutive days, and occasionally even twice in a single day. Students say the pace limits their ability to prepare properly, particularly for more demanding subjects.
“You barely finish one exam before you have to start preparing for the next,” one student said. “When there are only two days in between, it becomes extremely difficult to study properly.”
Others noted that while some subjects are manageable with short preparation time, heavier courses require longer intervals. The current schedule, they argue, increases stress and encourages superficial learning rather than real understanding of the material.
Universities cite session limits
Universities acknowledge the issue but point to structural constraints. Representatives of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction stated that the minimum interval between exams is two days, adding that longer breaks are planned between more complex subjects whenever possible. The university also noted that it is reviewing international academic practices to modernize its examination process.
At the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, officials said exams are generally scheduled at the beginning or end of the week, allowing for breaks of three to four days. However, they confirmed that in exceptional cases the interval may be reduced to two days.
Experts call for realistic planning
Education experts argue that exam schedules should better reflect students’ actual academic workload. Internationally, they note, exam intervals are often limited as well, typically ranging from a few days to a week. However, experts emphasize that such systems usually operate within longer exam periods.
“In Azerbaijan, the entire winter exam session is concentrated into a relatively short timeframe,” one expert explained. “If a student must take five or six exams within roughly 20 working days, longer breaks between exams become almost impossible.”
A broader discussion
Most universities in Azerbaijan hold their winter exams in January, within a fixed session period. As a result, administrators must balance academic standards with logistical limitations.
Students, however, say the current model deserves reconsideration. They argue that extending the exam session or introducing more flexible scheduling would reduce stress and improve academic performance – without lowering standards.
For now, the debate highlights a familiar challenge faced by higher education systems worldwide: how to balance efficiency with student well-being in an increasingly demanding academic environment.
