Turkey's YKS AYT Exam Day Draws 1.6 Million Candidates

On 21 June 2026 Turkey held the second session of its university entrance exam, the Alan Yeterlilik Testi (AYT), for 1,627,960 candidates. The test began at 10:15 a.m. across 4,400 buildings and 86,761 rooms, presenting 160 questions to be answered in 180 minutes. A third session, the Yabancı Dil Testi (YDT), started at 15:45 a.m. with 203,639 candidates taking a 120‑minute, 80‑question exam in English, Arabic, German, French and Russian.

The ÖSYM reported smooth logistics, with identity checks and entry‑time rules enforced nationwide. Local authorities assisted candidates facing transportation or documentation issues: Kayseri’s municipality helped seven students reach their centres; police in Nevşehir, Rize, Şırnak, Kütahya and other provinces escorted dozens of late‑arriving youths; a Kütahya candidate with an invalid ID received a temporary document and entered the exam hall only a minute before doors closed.

The exam’s results are scheduled for 22 July 2026 on the ÖSYM website, after which the university preference process will begin.