Title: New University Entrance Policy Sparks Debate on Educational Equity
A significant reform to Iran’s national university entrance examination, known as the “Konkur,” has been ratified by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, setting the stage for a pivotal shift in the student selection process for the year 2025. The decision to make 11th and 12th-grade GPAs a definitive factor in the final ranking has ignited a complex debate, drawing reactions from lawmakers, educators, and the public.
The Core of the Reform
The newly approved policy marks a fundamental change from the previous system. For the 2025 Konkur, the final grades from a student’s 11th and 12th-grade years will be calculated directly and unalterably into their overall ranking. Specifically, the 11th-grade GPA will carry a definitive 17% weight, while the 12th-grade GPA will account for 43%. This is a departure from the 2024 model, where the 11th-grade GPA was only considered if it improved a student’s rank.
Officially, the policy aims to enhance the role of continuous academic performance in university admissions and reduce the overwhelming pressure associated with a single, high-stakes examination day.
Parliamentary Intervention and Calls for Review
The policy has been met with substantial concern within the Iranian Parliament (Majlis). A significant bloc of 195 representatives has formally addressed the President, requesting a revision to maintain the 11th-grade GPA’s influence as “positive” rather than “definitive.”
The central argument from lawmakers revolves around the principle of educational justice. They contend that making final grades a fixed component of the Konkur score could exacerbate existing inequalities. Majlis members argue that disparities in the quality of teaching resources, school facilities, and even the standardization of exam grading across different provinces put students from underprivileged and remote regions at a distinct disadvantage.
A Legislative and Ethical Dilemma
The debate has also entered legal territory. Parliamentary authorities have pointed to existing legislation on student assessment and admission, suggesting that the Supreme Council’s resolution may overstep its policy-making mandate into the realm of law-making, which is the constitutional purview of the Majlis. This legal challenge has increased the possibility of the policy being amended before its full implementation in 2025.
Beyond the legislative friction, educational experts have raised concerns about the psychological impact on students. They warn that making grades from the 11th grade definitive could extend the intense pressure of the Konkur backwards, subjecting students to high-stakes anxiety two years before the actual exam, potentially leading to increased stress and unhealthy competition.
The Path Forward
In response to the growing concerns, the Parliamentary Education Commission has announced that it will hold joint meetings with the National Educational Assessment Organization to review the policy. The stated goal of the Majlis is to find a solution that preserves both the integrity of the academic evaluation process and the fundamental principle of equal opportunity for all students across the nation.
The commission has proposed reverting to a “positive” influence for grades 10 and 11, a model they believe would maintain student motivation throughout high school while allowing for academic improvement and reducing psychological pressure. The final form of the 2025 Konkur regulations remains a subject of ongoing high-level discussion, with the outcome set to impact the future of millions of students and the landscape of educational equity in the country.