Turkish Education Minister: AGS Exam to be Held; LGS and YKS Systems Won't Change

While the Turkish education system moves toward structural reforms, recent statements by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin have brought a wave of relief to students and parents. According to reports published on June 26, 2026, the Turkish government intends to introduce a new exam called AGS (Academy Entrance Exam), but it was simultaneously emphasized that current entrance exams will not undergo changes [1].

AGS Exam: The New Criterion for Entering the Teaching Profession The AGS exam, which stands for "Akademi Giriş Sınavı," has been designed as part of the modernization plan for national education academies. The goal of this exam is to more accurately measure the capabilities of applicants who intend to work as teachers in the public education system. Speaking to the media, including "Memur Postası," Minister Tekin clarified that this exam is essential for improving the quality of the teaching staff and is unrelated to student exams [1][3]. This move reflects the ministry's focus on training specialized teachers within the framework of the "Turkey Century Education Model."

Stability in LGS and YKS Exams: End of Rumors One of the primary concerns of Turkish families in recent years has been the possibility of changes to the High School Entrance System (LGS) and the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS). Yusuf Tekin firmly stated that there are no plans to change the structure of these two exams on the agenda [2]. He noted that maintaining stability in these exams is vital for reducing student stress and preserving educational justice. According to the minister, students should focus on their current study materials regardless of rumors, as assessment standards in 2026 and subsequent years will follow the previous routine.

The Education Ministry's Approach to Structural Reforms The Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) is striving to increase system efficiency by separating teacher evaluation paths from student evaluations. While AGS focuses on professional expertise, LGS and YKS will continue to serve as the main filters for student academic guidance [2]. Tekin emphasized that any reform in educational content does not mean a change in the "exam system," but rather an update of the knowledge required for future generations. This strategy allows the government to improve the quality of educational outcomes without causing shock to the student community.