Kazakhstan is developing a new format for its Unified National Testing (UNT) that could include not only assessments of knowledge in school subjects but also evaluations of critical thinking, digital literacy and other skills, the website infohub.kz reports.
The draft of the new UNT format was presented by Nursseit Baizhanov, director of the National Testing Center, at a forum at Qazaq AI Research University on October 15. The project, called the Admission Insight Test (AIT), is being developed by the center together with the international organization ETS. Work began in February 2026 and is scheduled to run through 2030.
The new model will consist of two parts: subject tests in 14 specialized disciplines and a skills test.
"Subject tests — in 14 specialized subjects. The tasks are being updated in line with the state standard, with the emphasis shifting from simple reproduction of information to a deeper understanding of the material. The skills test — five modules aimed at assessing critical thinking, academic writing and research skills, communication skills, AI, quantitative and digital literacy, as well as creative and design thinking. The last module is still under development," the statement says.
The director of the National Testing Center noted that subject knowledge remains of key importance. The skills component is intended to complement its assessment, not replace it. The proposed exam structure will be refined in light of educational policy and research findings.
"Knowledge is no longer scarce. Judgment has become scarce. An exam that tests the reproduction of knowledge today measures what AI does faster than an applicant," Baizhanov said.
Piloting of the new UNT format is planned for spring 2027.