Turkey's 2026 YKS exam starts with TYT session nationwide

The 2026 Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı (YKS) began on 20 June with the Temel Yeterlilik Testi (TYT) at 10:15 a.m. across Turkey. More than 2.4 million candidates attended the exam in over 7 200 test centers and 134 000 rooms, including locations in all 81 provinces, Northern Cyprus and Belgrade. Strict security measures barred entry after 10:00 a.m. and prohibited electronic devices, jewelry and other items.

Municipalities and youth organisations provided logistical support. Canik Belediyesi set up catering and transport assistance in Samsun; the AK Party’s Istanbul youth wing erected “exam‑entry‑document” kiosks in 39 districts; Kayseri’s mayor offered free public transport for candidates; and many local officials urged quiet and traffic‑free streets. Police motorcycle units helped candidates who had lost or forgotten identification documents. A few isolated incidents drew media attention, such as a student in Avcılar climbing a locked gate after mixing up school names and another in Kırıkkale attempting to enter after the doors closed.

The exam schedule includes the TYT (165 minutes), followed by the Alan Yeterlilik Testleri (AYT) on 21 June (180 minutes) and the Yabancı Dil Testi (YDT) later that day (120 minutes). Results are slated for 22 July 2026.