Starting in 2027, Kazakhstan plans to gradually introduce a new standardized university entrance exam to replace the current Unified National Testing (UNT). At the same time, the existing test will be retained until most graduates switch to the new format. Against this background, journalists asked Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek what types of tasks and assessment methods the new exam will include.
What is known about the new test
The Minister said the test will be called the Admissions Insight Test (AIT). Its key feature will be that it assesses not only school knowledge, but also critical thinking, digital literacy and personal and leadership skills.
«It is no secret that in real life, theoretical knowledge and intelligence alone are not the decisive factors in a person’s success. People with strong willpower, an entrepreneurial mindset and strong communication skills often tend to succeed more. That is why it is very important for us to get a complete picture of each university applicant — a 360-degree assessment,» he said.
The development
Nurbek said that the test is currently in development. For this purpose, two delegations from Princeton, U.S., have arrived to train Kazakhstan’s best teachers. At present, researchers are conducting fieldwork.
«Most importantly, this test will be our own. It will not be a franchise or a licensed product. We are developing it in-house, and it will be Kazakhstan’s intellectual property,» he noted.
AI will generate the questions
The minister confirmed that artificial intelligence will be used in both the development of test questions and the grading of answers.
«I have personally seen how deeply a person can be assessed. I went through such an assessment myself. It covers psychological aspects, emotional intelligence, anti-corruption values, honesty, ideals and beliefs. It turns out all of this can be evaluated as well,» he said.
