What is the YKS Exam and How Can Students Apply to Take It?
Many students are currently preparing for the YKS exam, a crucial gateway for gaining admission to universities and higher education institutions in Turkey.
Comparable to the baccalaureate exams in Arab countries, this test is taken at the end of high school and is a decisive step
towards university education. For more details on the YKS exam and how to apply, continue reading.
What is the YKS Exam?
The YKS, short for Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı (Higher Education Institutions Exam), is an entrance exam for those wishing to attend universities in Turkey.
It is available to final-year high school students and graduates. The YKS is divided into three main sessions: the Basic Proficiency Test (TYT), the Academic Specialization Test (AYT), and the Foreign Language Test (YDT).
The Three Sessions of the YKS Exam
Session One: TYT (Basic Proficiency Test)
In this session, candidates’ basic skills and proficiency levels are assessed. The test includes questions on Turkish language, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences, with a total of 120 questions to be answered within 135 minutes. The objectives of this test include:
– Measuring skills in using the Turkish language correctly, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and basic grammar.
– Evaluating basic mathematical skills, problem-solving using fundamental mathematical principles, and applying these principles in daily life.
– Assessing knowledge in various areas like geography, religious culture, ethics, philosophy, and history to determine cognitive competencies in these fields.
– Evaluating basic skills and knowledge to gauge students’ readiness for university.
Distribution of TYT Questions:
– Turkish Language Test: 40 questions
– Social Sciences Test: 20 questions (5 each in History, Geography, Philosophy, and Religious Culture)
– Mathematics Test: 40 questions
– Science Test: 20 questions (6 in Biology, 7 in Physics and Chemistry)
Minimum Scores for TYT:
To pass the TYT, candidates need at least 150 points. Those scoring between 180 and higher can proceed to the second session
(AYT).
If a student scores 200 or more, they are eligible for the next session and may retake the exam the following year without redoing the first session.
Who Can Take the TYT?
The TYT is a mandatory first stage for those aiming to pursue higher education. All candidates must pass the TYT, whether they plan to continue to the AYT or seek admission to vocational institutions.
Session Two: AYT (Academic major Test)
This session allows candidates to choose university departments based on their AYT results. To qualify for this choice, candidates must achieve a score of 180 or higher. The AYT includes questions from Turkish Literature, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Science, with a total of 160 questions to be answered in 180 minutes. It is also known as the field competency test and is held the
day after the TYT.
Distribution of AYT Questions:
– Mathematics Test: 40 questions
– Science Test: 30 questions (10 each in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology)
– Turkish Literature and Language: 18 questions
– History: 7 questions
– Geography: 5 questions
– Philosophy Group: 9 questions
– Religious Culture and Ethics: 5 questions
Scoring for TYT and AYT:
After the exams, there are two ways to determine candidates’ scores:
– TYT Placement Score: Based solely on the TYT result.
– Balanced Numerical and Verbal Scores: Calculated with 40% from TYT and 60% from AYT.
Session Three: YDT (Foreign Language Test)
In the third session of the YKS exam, the Foreign Language Test is conducted. This test includes 80 questions, lasting 120 minutes, and can be taken in German, Arabic, French, English, or Russian.
Each language has its own question booklet, and candidates receive the booklet in their chosen language upon registration.
How to Apply for the YKS Exam in Turkey
To apply for the YKS exam, students must be registered in the ÖSYM electronic system, which organizes public exams in Turkey.
Students can access their personal page on this system, enter necessary details like address, and select their preferred exam center.
Application Process:

1. Visit the nearest ÖSYM center.
2. Fill out the application form and submit the latest educational document (e.g., high school diploma).
3. Provide transcripts and a recent photo (photos can be taken at the center if necessary).
4. Receive a new code for the ÖSYM personal page and complete the registration online.
5. After electronic registration, choose the exams you wish to take.

Requirements for Taking the YKS Exam
Students must provide:
– A copy of their ID card
– A recent passport-sized photo
– A copy of their high school diploma
– Proof of payment for the exam fee, which is 90 Turkish Lira per exam part
– Proficiency in Turkish, with a special section for foreign languages
ÖSYM’s official site outlines eligibility criteria, including:
– The candidate must be in their final year of high school or a graduate.
– Academic eligibility must be met in final year classes.
– Students who have relinquished or lost their original nationality can also apply.
For more information on the YKS exam requirements and application process, contact us at Alemni Shokran.
Who Can Take the YKS Exam in Turkey?
All high school students, whether Turkish citizens or foreign residents in Turkey, are eligible to take the YKS exam. Registration is available through the ÖSYM electronic system.
YKS Registration Deadlines in Turkey
Registration for the YKS exam typically occurs between February and March each year, with the exam usually held in June after
the academic year ends.
YKS Exam Fees
For the 2024 YKS, applicants must pay separate fees for each exam session. This allows flexibility, as candidates can choose to pay only for the tests they intend to take.
Register with Alemni Shokran now to get all the details on the YKS exam and ensure you are well-prepared for this important step towards entering Turkish universities.