He noted that in most countries, testing also requires financial expenditures.
“If the government covers the costs of testing, it will gain the ability to set its own rules. Citizens' taxes go towards these expenses, and therefore, the fee for the ORT will ultimately fall on the shoulders of taxpayers,”
Myza Karimov
According to the expert, the independent testing service conducting the ORT is under pressure, although it does not receive funding from the government and only pays taxes and rents office space.
Karimov emphasized that the cost of testing is determined based on various factors, such as transportation costs, the price of paper, employee salaries, and airfare for work in the regions.
“Politicians forget that without the testing service, applicants wishing to enter capital universities from the regions would have to make their own way to Bishkek. For example, a plane ticket from Batken to the capital costs 4,500 soms one way. Moreover, applicants cannot fly alone; they need companions. In Bishkek, they will have to look for temporary accommodation and pay for meals. Thanks to the work of the testing service, applicants can take the ORT in their schools or in district centers,” he added.
Myza Karimov noted that the ORT is a service, similar to, say, hairdressing services.
“The government does not pay for a hairdresser's work, so every parent should take responsibility for their children's education. If you have a child, they should have the opportunity not just to exist but to live with dignity. A good education requires significant expenses. Some parents express dissatisfaction with the high cost of tutoring services, but the decision to send a child to a tutor or to teach them themselves is a personal choice for each. Most children have mobile phones and access to the internet, which they spend money on every month. And how much do we spend on weddings, holidays, and other events?” he emphasized.
Additionally, it should be noted that in May 2025, many participants in the ORT tested their skills in three and even six or seven subjects.
The expert reminded that no one obliges applicants to take several subjects—one is enough, and for medical specialties—two.
“Modern times require flexibility—higher education is not necessary for everyone. Even a Harvard diploma does not guarantee employment if there are no necessary skills. One can receive vocational education and earn money without having a higher diploma,” he concluded.
It should be noted that deputy Dastan Bekeshev proposed that the government cover the costs of the ORT, pointing out that the price of the test increased from 200 to 470 soms per subject, which is an unaffordable amount for low-income families.
In fact, the cost of the main and subject tests remained stable at 470 soms. This year, only the test in the state language increased—from 200 to 470 soms—due to inflation and rising service prices.
