Changes in entrance exams, addition of new subjects, or updating the existing exam format are among the topical issues that are at the center of attention of the educational community, students, and parents. The development of society, technology, and the labor market necessitates the continuous improvement of the entrance exam model over time.
Education expert Elchin Afandi spoke to Modern.az on the topic. He stated that changes should be made to the education system and the model of entrance exams to higher education institutions in Azerbaijan.
According to the expert, an exam system based on international experience should be established, and one of the main steps in this direction should be the reduction in the number of subjects.
“The fewer subjects are reduced, the lower the academic load for applicants and the financial expenses for families will be. Three subjects can be considered for each group. For example, mathematics, foreign language, and Azerbaijani language for the first group; history, mathematics, and Azerbaijani language for the third group; and biology, mathematics, and Azerbaijani language for the fourth group can be determined as exam subjects. Computer science can also be added. However, it would be more appropriate to conduct exams in three or four subjects instead of the current five,” the expert said.
Elchin Afandi noted that the subject of computer science is of particular importance in the modern era. According to him, considering the rapid development of technology, the inclusion of computer science, which covers knowledge and skills related to information technology and artificial intelligence, in the entrance exams can be considered.
“In an era of such technological advancement, a computer science subject based on artificial intelligence, corresponding to the knowledge and skills offered by information technologies, can be added to the groups. However, at the same time, we should try to reduce the total number of subjects. In most countries around the world, admission is based on the results of exams taken in two or three subjects. At ADA University in Azerbaijan, admission is conducted according to this model based on SAT results. I think we should completely switch to this system and take exams in three subjects,” the expert emphasized.