Discussions surrounding the cancellation of the Unified State Exam (EGE) in Russia persist, despite a previously rejected bill proposing its replacement with state exams in school subjects. According to Oleg Smolin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education, the EGE’s scope is actually expanding.

The State Duma is also considering canceling the Basic State Exam (OGE), according to Yana Lantratova, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Education. She stated that this potential change aims to reduce the significant psychological pressure on students.

Smolin highlighted recent legislative developments, noting that individuals with secondary vocational education can now only enter a university without the EGE if their college studies align with their chosen field. Furthermore, an experiment is underway in three Russian regions, including Moscow, where student selection for the 10th grade will be based on OGE results.

A law has also been adopted that limits admission to paid university places, with the average EGE score of applicants being a key criterion for universities to maintain their ability to charge tuition. Lantratova emphasized the need to reform the current assessment system, stating that it has created serious problems despite being designed to evaluate students’ knowledge.