Kazakhstan plans to ban retaking UNT

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan plans to ban repeat attempts at the Unified National Testing (UNT). This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, according to the government’s press service.

According to Balayeva, allowing multiple UNT attempts does not fully solve the problem of ensuring high-quality selection of applicants. In this regard, the testing system as a whole needs to be transformed, including the approval of rules for a single attempt as “an objective and final assessment for participation in the grant competition.”

“At the same time, the system of practice tests will remain in place for self-assessment of knowledge and timely adjustment of preparation methods,” the statement says.

The official described the transformation of the UNT not as a rejection of the system, but as “a step toward a more precise, deeper, and fairer selection of talent.”

Context

Earlier, it was reported that Kazakhstan is developing a new national test that is expected to be recognized abroad and become an alternative to the UNT. The project is estimated to cost around 3 million dollars.

At the same time, in 2026 the UNT format will remain unchanged: the test will still include 120 questions, the maximum score will remain 140 points, and the testing time will be 4 hours.

The changes are promised to be introduced gradually, without placing additional pressure on applicants, so they can demonstrate not only their knowledge but also their readiness to apply it in study and work.

It should be recalled that applications for participation in the UNT opened in Kazakhstan on April 11. Registration for the exam will continue until April 25. Applications can be submitted on the website of the National Testing Center at app.testcenter.kz or via the UTO mobile application.