Perhaps, one of the key challenges ahead of Ministry of Higher Education is the annual entrance exam (Kankour). It is the only way for students who want to follow their higher education in public universities or institutions. The only criterion to take the exam is completing high school, twelfth grade, or equivalent in Afghanistan’s educational curriculum. Hence, annually tens of thousands of fresh graduates or those who completed their higher education but, due to any reason, could not take the exam will participate and try their chance to follow their higher education.
By each passing year the number of students taking the exam is increasing tremendously. Due to lower vacancies and high demand, less than one third of all participants succeed to follow their higher education. Majority of the students who remain behind the doors of university will take part for the second time with fresh graduates. Based on rough estimates, 8 million children are enrolled in public and private schools around the country. Perhaps, if the current trend moves smoothly, the number of Kankour participants will also increase tremendously. The demand has already increased to such a level that Ministry of Higher Education comes under question every year due to the number of students who do not find way to public universities and institutions. On one hand the number of fresh graduates increases, on the other hand, the number of students who try for the second time. Thus, it becomes a real challenge for educational officials.
Last year, around 180 thousand students participated but only around 40 thousand of them got the chance to follow their higher education. It is estimated that this year, 1392, more than two hundred thousand will participate nationwide while the level of public universities’ acceptance almost have remained the same.
In addition, the way that exam is held has also become problematic. Officials of Ministry of Higher Education completely canceled the result of exam held in Logar Province as photos circulated from exam showing groups of students sitting together and solving the questions. Every year students complain that in particular areas, exam controllers just stand silent and even encourage students to cheat while in some others act strictly and do not allow students to talk with each other. Thus, the issue of discrimination has still remained intact.
Anyhow, if officials do not increase the capacity of public universities, the energy of youngsters will be wasted. Huge part of participants cannot find way to higher education and, thus, will say farewell to education once far all because they are not able to continue in private universities. And those who succeed also complain about obsolete educational materials, lack of professional teachers and outdated curriculum.