Önder Aksakal Sharply Criticizes YKS Exam System and ÖSYM Performance in Turkey

Following the administration of the 2026 national university entrance exam in Turkey and the release of initial reports on the results, the country's political landscape is once again witnessing heated debates over the efficiency of the educational system. Önder Aksakal, Chairman of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), in an official statement released today, July 3, 2026, fiercely attacked the performance of the Assessment, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) and called for radical changes within this institution [1].

Educational Crisis and Critique of the YKS Structure In his remarks, Aksakal emphasized that the YKS exam, as implemented today, has become a tool for increasing psychological pressure on students and their families rather than a true measure of academic capability. He noted that the fate of millions of young people should not be summarized in a few hours of testing. According to him, the current system has caused students to resort to memorizing test-taking techniques instead of deep learning, which will deal a major blow to the academic quality of universities in the future [2].

The Role of ÖSYM in Educational Inequalities The leader of the Democratic Left Party also pointed to existing inequalities in access to educational resources. He claimed that the questions designed by ÖSYM in 2026 were such that they placed students from disadvantaged regions in a very difficult position. Aksakal believes that ÖSYM has failed to observe standards of educational justice, and this issue has led to a wider class divide in Turkish society [1][3]. He stressed that the organization must transform from a purely executive body into a scientific and advisory center that operates based on meritocracy throughout the educational period.

Reform Proposals for the Future In another part of his statements, Aksakal proposed an alternative plan in which high school grades and student research activities would play a decisive role in university admission. He called on the government and the Ministry of National Education to have the courage to eliminate the centralized exam system and implement a model where each student is admitted to specialized fields based on their talent and interest [2].

Reactions to these statements have been mixed in Turkish political circles. While some opposition parties have echoed Aksakal's sentiments, educational officials believe that the sudden removal of the centralized exam system could lead to chaos in student admissions. However, public pressure and statements like the one provided by Aksakal indicate an urgent need to revise Turkey's educational structure in 2026 [3].