MINISTER EXCLUDES CORRUPTION RISKS BUT PINPOINTS TO A POSSIBLE CORRUPTION MECHANISM

Levon Mkrtchyan, minister of education and science and the agency headed by him will take the first test on June 1. For the first time ever school graduates will take common exams on Armenian language and literature. Mkrtchyan largely hopes for “successful outcomes.” In case of success, next year common exams will be introduced in mathematics and foreign languages as well. The minister told a news conference today common exams will take place in 55 school-centers. He said 170 ministry and knowledge testing representatives will monitor the process. The exam rooms will be filmed from every corner.

The minister said “there are no corruption risks at the moment.” However, the minister is aware on one possible corruption risk. He said, “The people in the exam room may take the test out from the room during the three hours of the exam and bring back a completed test.” Saying this may be the only tool of fraud, Mkrtchyan largely hopes the monitors will refrain from such actions.