YKS 2026 Results and Preference Dates for Turkish University Entrance Exam Announced

Today, July 7, 2026, excitement has reached its peak among millions of Turkish candidates who participated in the TYT, AYT, and YDT exams. Following the great exam marathon held on June 20 and 21, all eyes are now on the official calendar of the Turkish Assessment, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) to determine the fate of university admissions [1].

Exact Date for 2026 YKS Results According to official statements, ÖSYM has set July 22, 2026 (Wednesday) as the definitive date for announcing the national university entrance exam results [2]. Candidates can view their final report cards—including raw scores, scaled scores, and most importantly, their national ranking—on the sonuc.osym.gov.tr portal starting from the early hours of that morning using their T.C. Kimlik number and private password [1]. It should be noted that no paper report cards will be sent to candidates' addresses, and results are only valid in digital format.

When Does the Preference Process Begin? Although the exact start date for the preference period (Tercih Dönemi) has not yet been officially announced, past experience and expert analysis suggest that this process usually begins one week after the results are released. It is predicted that the preference system will open on August 1, 2026, and continue until August 10 [2]. During this period, candidates have the right to register a maximum of 24 academic priorities in their preference form. Educational experts recommend that candidates use their national ranking (Başarı Sıralaması) as the primary criterion for arranging their priorities rather than focusing solely on the score [3].

Introduction of 16 Innovative Academic Fields in 2026 One of the distinguishing features of this year's exam is the addition of 16 new and future-oriented academic fields to the preference guide. The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has announced that, in response to global labor market needs, fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technologies (FinTech), Biotechnology, Mobile Security, and Digital Game Technology have been launched at prestigious universities across the country [3]. These changes provide unique opportunities for candidates seeking modern specializations.

Vital Tips for Candidates and Parents As the countdown to July 22 begins, candidates must carefully study the 2026 preference guide previously published by ÖSYM [4]. Paying attention to quotas, specific conditions of certain universities, and the impact of the high school grade point average (OBP) on the final rank is crucial. Candidates should also be aware that if they are placed in a program but do not enroll, their OBP score for next year's exam will be significantly reduced [2]. It is recommended that during these remaining days, candidates prepare their draft lists based on their interests and estimated rankings.