Initial analyses indicate that competition levels for university admissions in Azerbaijan vary significantly across different specialty groups, according to Maleyka Abbaszade, Chairperson of the State Examination Center (SEC). Speaking to journalists, Abbaszade provided a detailed forecast regarding how admission scores might shift for prospective students.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Abbaszade noted that for the first specialty group, programs with admission scores above 600 are expected to see a slight decrease of 1–2 points. In the 500–600 point range, a decrease of up to 16 points is projected, while the 400–500 range may see a 5-point drop. Conversely, for programs with lower admission requirements (below 400 points), scores are expected to rise due to changes in the number of graduates and available quotas.
For the second specialty group, most score intervals are expected to see a decrease of 1–3 points, though the 300–400 point range could see a drop of up to 12 points. In the 200–300 point range, scores may rise by 3–4 points. Regarding the third specialty group, programs with scores above 600 may see a 3–4 point decrease, while the 500–600 range is expected to rise by 3–4 points. The 200–500 point range is forecasted to see an increase of 1–8 points.
Abbaszade highlighted that the fourth specialty group faces the highest competition. "Current data shows that more than 1,000 students have scored above 600 points. Consequently, programs requiring over 600 points may see an increase of 15–17 points," she stated. She added that while the 500–600 point range is also expected to rise, the 400–500 range will likely remain stable, and the 200–300 range may see a decline.
The SEC Chairperson emphasized that these statistics are preliminary and based on the results of two exam attempts. Final, precise statistics will be published once the process concludes, allowing students to accurately assess their standing compared to previous years. The State Examination Center plays a crucial role in the Azerbaijani education system by organizing centralized entrance exams for higher education institutions, ensuring a transparent and competitive selection process for thousands of students annually.
