KPSS Excitement Begins: More Than 1.7 Million Candidates Take the Exam
The excitement surrounding the Public Personnel Selection Examination (KPSS) has begun. The Undergraduate General Ability-General Culture session is being held today across 145 examination centers. A total of 1,708,329 candidates applied for the session, according to ÖSYM President Prof. Dr. Bayram Ali Ersoy.
Candidates started arriving at examination buildings early in the morning. Long before the scheduled start time of 10:15, crowds formed around schools, while many participants appeared visibly nervous. Some preferred to reach the venue well in advance to avoid delays and have enough time to complete the entrance procedures.
Participants were required to bring their examination documents and valid identification cards. After presenting these documents, candidates proceeded into the buildings under the supervision of examination officials. Those who arrived with prohibited belongings, including bags, mobile phones and other personal items, had to leave them at temporary storage points established around the examination venues.
The session consists of 120 questions, and candidates have 130 minutes to complete the test. Entry to examination buildings is not permitted after 10:00. For this reason, officials repeatedly warned candidates to calculate their travel time carefully and arrive before the final admission deadline.
The examination process created different scenes outside the schools. Some candidates reviewed their final notes, formulas and dates moments before entering the building. Others chose not to study at the last minute and waited quietly with relatives or friends. Families accompanying candidates also shared the tension, hoping that months of preparation would lead to successful results.
For many participants, this is their first KPSS experience. One newly graduated candidate from the History Department of Yalova University said that she had prepared intensively and was extremely excited. She explained that her aim was to score above 80 and expressed confidence that her preparation would help her reach that target.
Another candidate, a nursing graduate, stated that she had studied consistently for approximately three or four months. Describing the preparation period as challenging, the candidate said that she had spent many sleepless days and visited the library regularly. Her main goal is to receive a score of 80 or higher and secure a public-sector appointment.
Although preparation periods differ from one candidate to another, the KPSS generally requires a disciplined study schedule. General Ability questions measure areas such as Turkish language skills, reasoning and mathematics, while the General Culture section includes subjects including history, geography, citizenship and current knowledge.
Time management is one of the most important factors during the exam. Candidates must distribute 130 minutes across 120 questions, meaning that spending too long on a difficult question can affect performance in other sections. Experts generally recommend marking uncertain questions and returning to them after completing the easier ones.
The final hours before an exam should be used carefully. Trying to learn completely new subjects at the last minute may increase stress rather than improve results. Reviewing previously studied information, checking examination documents and getting adequate rest can be more beneficial than intensive late-night study.
Candidates should also remember that the answer sheet must be filled in carefully. Incorrectly marking a question, shifting answers by one line or failing to code responses properly can lead to avoidable losses. It is therefore important to check the question number and answer choice before moving to the next item.
After the session ends, candidates will wait for the official evaluation and score announcement process. KPSS results play a critical role in applications for public positions, but appointment opportunities may also depend on the relevant institution, branch, quota and ranking.
For candidates aiming for public employment, the exam score is only one stage of the process. Some positions require additional conditions, interviews or special qualifications. Applicants should therefore follow official announcements closely and verify the requirements for each position before submitting an application.
The large number of participants once again demonstrates the strong demand for public-sector employment in Türkiye. For candidates entering the exam today, the session represents the outcome of months of effort, sacrifice and determination. As the doors close and the test begins, each participant will focus on using the available time effectively and achieving the score needed for their career plans.