KABUL: The latest round of this year’s university entrance exam, known as Kankor, took place in Kabul on Friday, drawing the participation of thousands of 12th-grade graduates. However, one glaring absence was noticeable: the exclusion of girls from the examination hall.
The National Examination Authority (NEXA) reported that the entrance exam was successfully administered over the course of a single day, with approximately fifteen thousand students participating in Kabul. Abdul Baqi Haqqani, the head of NEXA, praised the smooth conduct of the exam and highlighted the significant improvements in facilities compared to previous years.
“The real advantage lies in determining a student’s academic specialization upon high school graduation, prior to embarking on their university journey,” noted Husama Aziz, the chancellor of Kabul University, underscoring the merit of the Kankor examination.
According to Haqqani, this year’s iteration of the university entrance exam was designed to be more accessible, with a total of one hundred thousand students undergoing the process across four rounds. Speaking about the Kabul exam, he shared, “Fifteen thousand participants are taking part today, and the process will be completed within a single day.”
While the exam itself concluded without incident, a notable sentiment of disappointment echoed among the participants regarding the absence of female candidates this year. Many individuals expressed their belief that education is a fundamental right for both men and women, highlighting the urgent need to grant girls equal access to educational opportunities.
Mohammad Ismail, one of the participants, spoke with a TOLOnews reporter, emphasizing the importance of gender inclusivity in education. “Education is the birthright of all individuals, regardless of gender. Girls deserve the same educational prospects. It’s imperative that schools and universities open their doors to girls as well.”
Amid this dialogue, NEXA officials have acknowledged the need for reform and advancement. They have outlined their intention to categorize the entrance exam into three distinct sections in the forthcoming years: medical, social, and scientific. This step aims to align the exam more closely with academic specializations and facilitate a smoother transition into higher education.
