Pilot Step by Turkey's Assessment Center to Launch Online Exam System

The Assessment, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM), responsible for conducting Turkey's most sensitive national exams including the university entrance exam, has entered a new phase of digital transformation. According to reports published in June 2026, the organization has begun implementing a pilot online exam system to evaluate the infrastructure necessary for a paradigm shift from paper-based to digital examinations [1].

Pilot Project Details and Objectives This pilot project, which began in selected centers with limited groups of candidates, is designed to examine server stability, platform security, and user experience. ÖSYM officials emphasized that this system is not merely a digital version of questions, but a secure interactive environment utilizing advanced technologies to prevent cheating [2]. The ultimate goal is to conduct specialized and language exams, which have fewer candidates, entirely online in the first stage.

Difference from the Current e-Sınav System Turkey has previously used the "e-Sınav" system in specific centers, but the main difference of the new project lies in its flexibility and scale. While previous systems required attendance at specific government buildings, the new platform provides the potential to hold exams on broader platforms with new software security protocols [3]. This could significantly reduce the logistical costs of printing and distributing question booklets.

Security and Infrastructure Challenges Despite numerous advantages, critics and educational experts emphasize the importance of cybersecurity. ÖSYM announced that during this pilot phase, it is testing biometric identification systems and smart monitoring of candidate behavior during the exam [1]. Success in this stage could pave the way for larger exams in the coming years, although the complete transfer of the national university entrance exam to an online format is not yet in short-term plans.

The Future of Educational Assessment in Turkey A new roadmap for 2027 is expected to be drafted after the completion of the pilot period and data analysis. This move by ÖSYM demonstrates the alignment of the Turkish educational system with global standards and an effort to reduce the digital divide in the field of assessment and evaluation [2]. Candidates are now closely watching the results of this pilot project to understand how they will be evaluated in the coming years.