ÖSYM Investigates Two Controversial AYT 2026 Exam Questions

Following the administration of the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) in June 2026, attention has turned to the country's assessment body (ÖSYM). Reports indicate that the organization has initiated technical reviews of two specific questions in the Field Qualification Test (AYT) due to extensive protests from candidates and education experts [1]. These two questions, appearing in the literature and mathematics sections, have faced severe criticism for scientific ambiguities and typographical errors.

Typographical Error in the Literature Question; 'Neriman' or 'Nermin'? One of the disputed items is question number 20 in the Turkish Language and Literature booklet. This question, which examines the famous novel 'Handan' by Halide Edib Adıvar, contains a blatant typographical error. In the text of the question, the main character's name is listed as 'Nermin' instead of 'Neriman' [2]. Candidates and literature professors argue that this name change is not accidental and could have caused confusion for students choosing the correct option. Many experts believe such an error is unacceptable in a high-stakes national exam and are calling for the immediate cancellation of the question [3].

Scientific Challenge in Mathematics Question 23 The second question under close ÖSYM scrutiny is question number 23 in the AYT mathematics section. This question, involving the analysis of a function's derivative graph and determining the range of its roots, has divided mathematicians [2]. While the initial answer key published by ÖSYM identifies option 'C' as the correct answer, many professors have presented alternative scientific solutions claiming the correct answer should be option 'A' [4]. This scientific disagreement has led thousands of candidates to send protest letters to the assessment center, demanding a re-evaluation of the question structure and the provided options.

Review Process and Potential Cancellation ÖSYM has announced that an independent board of experts and university professors has been formed to examine these two questions [1]. According to current regulations, if the jury confirms the existence of an impactful scientific or typographical error, the questions will be canceled. In the event of cancellation, the points for these questions will either be distributed equally among all candidates or deducted from the total exam score [4]. The board's final report is expected to be released next week, prior to the announcement of final results in July. Candidates are now anxiously waiting to see if these potential changes will alter their final rankings for admission to top Turkish universities [3].