Azerbaijan College Capacity Exams Record Registration Surge and Specialty Shortages

The State Examination Center reported a sharp rise in registrations for college capacity exams in Azerbaijan. Applicants for specialist colleges increased from 2,396 in 2025 to 3,332 in 2026, a 39 % jump, and the success rate climbed to 41.1 % from 34.5 %.

For the general secondary‑school track, registrations fell by 8.8 % to 1,954, yet the pass‑rate improved to 55.4 % (up from 53.9 %). Overall, 1,369 candidates passed the exams while only 487 places were available, creating intense competition in many fields. Design, decorative applied art and colour‑craft were among the most contested specialties, with an average of 9.4 applicants per seat.

Some programmes faced a lack of demand. The Popular Music and Jazz Instrumental specialty had 11 allocated places but received no applicants, leaving all seats vacant. By contrast, other artistic tracks such as Aşıq art and vocal performance had far more candidates than seats, ensuring full admission for those who sat the exam.