Do Applicants Encounter Uncovered Exam Questions?
Applicants in Uzbekistan’s law field are expressing their concerns about the content of state exams for admission to professional and higher education institutions. Despite claims by the Agency for Assessing Knowledge and Skills that the tests were designed according to educational programs, applicants have reported that questions deviated from the recommended literature.
One applicant mentioned being asked about penalties for offenses not mentioned in the textbooks, such as showing disrespect to the anthem of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Another complained about questions related to laws concerning state symbols and the state budget, which were not part of the recommended materials.
Social media complaints also highlighted questions about fines for violating metro rules, which some applicants found irrelevant and challenging. Additionally, a significant number of questions were reportedly taken from the Administrative and Criminal Codes, causing frustration among the test-takers.
In response to the growing dissatisfaction, the Agency for Assessing Knowledge and Skills issued a statement defending the test content and claiming adherence to educational standards. However, lawyer Khushnudbek Khudoyberdiev criticized the agency’s statement, labeling it as a “lie and nonsense.”
Khudoyberdiev pointed out that the agency’s recommended literature list only included five sources, limiting the scope of permissible exam questions. He argued that questions should not stray from these designated sources, regardless of legislative updates.
Furthermore, the agency defended the inclusion of penalties from legal codes in exam questions, citing the importance of understanding these aspects for law students. However, Khudoyberdiev argued that memorizing penalties was unnecessary and did not promote critical thinking skills among students.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the state exams in Uzbekistan’s law field raises questions about the fairness and relevance of test content. Critics like Khudoyberdiev argue that such exam practices may hinder students’ development and deter them from excelling in international assessments. As the debate continues, the future of legal education evaluation in the country remains uncertain.
