FAIRNESS OF ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS AND ADMISSION TO HIGHER ED

[MosJan]

FAIRNESS OF ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS AND ADMISSION TO HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IS IN THE CENTER OF PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN’S ATTENTION

Today, the President visited Yerevan State University. President Kocharian explained the choice of this particular institution for his visit by his desire to witness as many exams as possible, since it is at the University that 8 of the centralized exams are taking place. The President visited the examination rooms for Armenian language, mathematics, and physics.

According to President Kocharian, the centralized examination system is satisfactory for ensuring maximum fairness of exams. This system is being amended and improved year after year.

Prior to the beginning of this year’s exams, President Kocharian pledged his assistance to the Minister of Education and Science and heads of examination committees for various subjects in keeping them away from pressure and coercion.

Today, during his visit, the President reminded that this centralized examination system has been in force since 1997. The President’s Office has not received any complaints on unfairness of the process ever since then.

President Kocharian said it is acceptable to move to internationally accepted procedures for testing. This issue has been discussed with the Minister of Education for several times. However, the President noted that the mentality and psychology of transition period, as well as the issues related to military service might hinder the introduction of the new system.

President Kocharian also talked with the parents of some university applicants and tried to remove their doubts. One of the parents – a resident of the Lenugh village of the Armavir marz – said he was quite satisfied with the examination process and the fairness of grades, but then went on to raise some problems present in the village. He urged the President to create equally favorable conditions in agriculture, as well.

During the visit, President Kocharian also talked about the Artsax settlement process. He noted that, even though the negotiations with the Azeri President in Sochi were rather difficult, however both sides have expressed their commitment to continuing the peaceful dialogue.