July 15, 2025 – Baku, Azerbaijan
University entrance exams in Azerbaijan are nearing completion, with only a few creative ability assessments remaining. While final results from the second round are pending, early data from the first stage has ignited widespread debate about rising competition — and growing pressure on students and families.
This year, no applicant surpassed the 700-point mark, yet predictions of record-high passing scores have flooded social media and messaging groups. Critics suggest this wave of alarm may be less about reality and more about profit — fueled by paid consultants and prep centers who benefit from creating a climate of fear.
“Let’s be honest — this anxiety isn’t always organic,” said education expert Elchin Efendi. “When consultants push the narrative that ‘no one will make it,’ families are more likely to spend hundreds, even thousands of manats on extra services. The line between guidance and exploitation is becoming dangerously thin.”
More Students, More Seats — But Still Inequity
Despite the hype, the Ministry of Education has expanded university seats to 63,000 this year, up from 58,600 in 2024. Of these, 60,459 were allocated by the Cabinet of Ministers, representing an important effort to match rising demand.
However, that growth hasn’t kept pace with the surge in applicants. Over 131,000 students applied across five specialty groups this year — roughly 93,000 of them competing in the four main categories.
Group I (technical sciences): 31,000 applicants for 20,000 seats. At least 11,000 will be rejected.
Group II (economics): 25,000 applicants, 14,000 seats.
Group III (humanities): 28,000 applicants for 15,000 places. More than 1,200 scored over 600 points, raising the stakes.
Group IV (medical/natural sciences): 6,500 applicants for 4,500 places.
Group V (creative fields): 15,000 applicants, 4,700 places.
In total, over 30,000 students are projected to be excluded from higher education this year — despite strong academic performance in some cases.
The Deeper Issue: Why So Many Are Left Behind
Efendi acknowledges the government’s positive steps, such as increasing the number of budget-funded seats — over 28,000 this year, with an additional 4,000 for vulnerable groups. Still, he warns against seeing raw numbers as a solution.
“It’s not just about quantity — it’s about access, equity, and support,” he said. “Many high-performing students from rural regions or low-income families still fall through the cracks. And the overwhelming focus on test scores reduces education to a zero-sum game.”
Observers also point to structural flaws in the admissions process itself. The centralized, exam-heavy model leaves little room for evaluating broader skills, motivation, or potential — reinforcing a system where a single day can determine a young person’s future.
Moreover, while private tutoring centers thrive, public schools in under-resourced regions often lack the tools to prepare students adequately, perpetuating inequality.
A Call for Calm — and Reform
Efendi urges a shift in mindset. “We must stop pressuring students into believing that their lives depend on one number. The goal of education is growth, not survival.”
The broader question remains: when will educational reform move beyond annual seat adjustments and address the deeper imbalances in opportunity and access?
