Examinations Begin with Metal Detectors: The Main Phase of Unified Exams Kicks Off

The main (2nd) phase of the 2024 unified exams has commenced in Armenia, with a new procedure introduced. The information was provided by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

On the first day of the exams, 1,176 applicants registered for the subject of "Chemistry" and 259 for "Russian Language." Before entering the examination rooms, students were screened with metal detectors to exclude the presence of communication devices during the tests and to ensure equal and impartial conditions for all.

Education Minister Zhanna Andreasyan monitored the unified exam for the subject of "Chemistry" at examination centers located at Galust Gulbenkian High School No. 190 and Monte Melkonyan Secondary School No. 11 in Yerevan. She emphasized the necessity for additional technological measures to be put in place.

“Technologies are developing, and our children are very clever in using them, so there was a need for additional measures to ensure that no one brings technical devices with them,” commented Minister Zhanna Andreasyan.

Before the exams began, Andreasyan, accompanied by the director of the National Center for Educational Technology, Armen Pashayan, toured the examination rooms, spoke with the applicants, and inquired about their chosen fields of study and whether they had participated in the first phase of the unified exams held in January, among other things. Many applicants noted that they had received positive scores in the same subject during the January examination, even achieving above-average results, yet they were attempting again in hopes of improving their scores.

“I advise you to remember that the most reliable path is knowledge. The hope should be placed on knowledge and what you have learned to overcome the exam,” stated Andreasyan, wishing success to the candidates.

According to her, this is the second consecutive year that candidates are given a second chance for the examination, aimed at reducing stress and tension, thus also excluding the need for any type of devices. The opportunity to participate in the exam a second time, according to the Minister, allows candidates to approach the test more consciously and plan their subsequent steps while managing their time effectively.

Andreasyan emphasized that the influence of the deferral system is noticeable in the choice of professions, with quite positive results recorded in the scientific disciplines. She also addressed the reduction of the role of tutors, which is targeted by the new criteria of general education, to be implemented in the upcoming academic year for the 10th grade as well.

“We will abandon traditional instruction, replacing it with personalized teaching. Each student will be offered a list of subjects corresponding to their professional orientation. This implies in-depth learning of the subjects necessary for the chosen profession,” the minister outlined.

She also spoke with the parents of the applicants who were waiting in the yard of the examination centers for the conclusion of the tests. The parents noted that no organizational problems were observed.

The Ministry of Education and Science has reported that in the regions, 677 candidates registered to take the "Chemistry" exam, while 499 candidates registered in Yerevan. For the "Russian Language" subject, 199 candidates registered in the regions, and 60 in Yerevan. There are 15 examination centers operating, 11 of which are in the regions, and 4 in Yerevan. At Monte Melkonyan Secondary School No. 11, the minister also visited a 4th-grade mathematics exam room and wished the students success.