In 2020, applicants for the İOKBS scholarship exam could complete their applications electronically or through their school principals. For students registered in the e-Okul system, the records in the system are used; those not registered must rely on the information provided on the paper application form. Exam dates for students planning to sit the scholarship exam were postponed due to the pandemic.
What Were the Application Dates for İOKBS?
In 2020 the initial application window for İOKBS was announced as February 5 to February 17. The period was later extended to February 24.
When and How Can the İOKBS Exam Entry Document Be Obtained?
Students scheduled to take the 2020 scholarship exam could obtain their exam entry document on April 10, 2020. The document could be accessed and printed via the e-Okul system.
When Was the İOKBS Exam Held?
The İOKBS is administered by the Ministry of National Education. It was originally planned for Saturday, April 25, 2020, at 10:00, but was postponed due to the pandemic. The new exam date was set for June 6, 2020.
When Were İOKBS Results Announced?
Exam results were scheduled to be announced on Friday, July 3, 2020. However, because the exam was postponed, the announcement of results could also be delayed.
What Documents Are Required for İOKBS Application?
Applications require documentation that verifies the family’s financial situation. This includes proof of the guardian’s and guardian’s spouse’s income, any additional family income, the net annual income total, and the annual per-capita income. If the guardian or spouse is responsible for other dependents, their names and details must be listed. In addition to the family’s financial declaration, the following documents are generally requested:
- One passport-size photo.
- Copy of a valid identity card.
- Certified equivalence certificate, when applicable.
- Copies of any attachments as required.
- Students living abroad or not registered in e-Okul must submit the İOKBS application form.
What Are the Eligibility Conditions for İOKBS?
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Students who are citizens of the Republic of Türkiye or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus may apply.
- Applicants must meet the enrollment and admission requirements set out in the regulations.
- Students enrolled in middle schools, imam-hatip middle schools, or special education middle schools in grades 5, 6, 7, or 8 are eligible. In secondary education institutions, students in preparatory, 9th, 10th, and 11th grades may apply.
- Students who have not been subjected to a school transfer penalty during the academic year of the exam are eligible to apply.
- The family’s net annual per-capita income in the year prior to application must not exceed four times the Ministry’s boarding school fee as specified in the Central Government Budget Law. For 2020 applications, the 2019 annual per-capita income limit was 14,640 TL. Exceptions may apply to students granted special rights.
How Is the İOKBS Application Made?
Applications must be submitted within the announced application window. Applications can be completed through e-Okul or via the official ministry and related portals. Parents who meet the application requirements may also apply through their child’s school principal.
The application process uses the student’s electronic records when available, so accuracy and currency of those records must be verified. Required fields that should be up to date include name, surname, mother’s name, father’s name, gender, place and date of birth, any special education needs requiring exam provisions, and the student’s grade and field of study. School principals complete the electronic application. After submission, a signed application document approved by the school is provided to the student.
Can Information Be Updated After an İOKBS Application Is Submitted?
Once the İOKBS application is submitted using the electronic records, subsequent updates do not change the originally submitted application information. Requests to modify applications after submission are not accepted. Therefore, students and guardians must ensure all application details are accurate before finalizing and approving the application.
Where Is the İOKBS Administered?
The scholarship exam is held in the centers of each province, in selected district centers, and, if at least ten students will sit the exam, in certain locations abroad. Overseas locations where the exam takes place with a minimum of ten participants include:
- Nicosia
- Riyadh
- Bishkek
- Baku
- Medina
- Tashkent
- Jeddah
- Ashgabat
- Kuwait
- Tabuk
What Should Candidates Know About the İOKBS?
The primary and secondary education scholarship exam consists of 100 questions. Each question has four answer choices, and the total exam duration is 120 minutes.
How Are İOKBS Quotas Distributed?
Quotas for the annual free boarding and scholarship exam are allocated as follows:
- 10% of the quota is reserved for students granted special rights by law.
- 5% is allocated to children of teachers working, retired, or deceased who served in official institutions affiliated with the ministry.
- 5% is reserved for students whose place of residence lacks a middle school, special education middle school, or imam-hatip middle school.
- The remaining 80% is allocated to other eligible students.
What Happens If Quotas Are Not Filled?
If certain quota categories are not fully used, the unused seats are redistributed. Quotas reserved for students with special legal rights and for students from areas without suitable schools are reallocated to the general 80% quota when necessary. If the quota reserved for children of ministry-affiliated teachers is not filled, the ministry reallocates those seats to education personnel working at central, provincial, or overseas units.
Important Points About İOKBS Appeals
Key details for candidates wishing to appeal exam questions, answer keys, or results are as follows:
- Appeals must be filed within five days of the publication of questions and answer keys. Appeals are submitted to the Directorate General (ÖDSGM) and can be made electronically or in writing.
- An appeal requires payment of the exam fee at designated bank branches. For electronic appeals, payment is sufficient and no physical receipt is required; written appeals must include the bank receipt.
- Following publication of questions and answer keys, a ten-day period for filing lawsuits begins.
- Appeals are processed based on the date the ÖDSGM receives the documents.
- Appeals cannot be submitted by fax.
- Appeals lacking the applicant’s national ID number, bank receipt, or a signed petition including address will not be accepted.