After completing their bachelor's degree in Azerbaijan, individuals who wish to study at the master's level take part in the centralized master's entrance exam organized by the State Examination Center. The exam tests the logical thinking, computer science knowledge and foreign language skills of bachelors. According to the 2026 admission model, the exam includes 50 logic, 25 computer science and 20 foreign language test tasks. In addition, an essay is written in a foreign language, which is evaluated with a maximum of 5 points. Thus, it is possible to score a maximum of 100 points in the master's entrance exam.

In this article, we will explain in detail what the master's exam is in Azerbaijan, who can participate, the structure of the exam, how the master's score is calculated, the minimum competition requirements, the choice of specialization, the formation of the passing score and how placement in universities is carried out.

# What is a master's degree and who can be admitted?

A master's degree is the next stage of higher education after the bachelor's degree. At this level, a student deepens the knowledge acquired in bachelor's education in a more specific direction and specialization. For example, a person who has studied “Computer Engineering” at the bachelor’s level can choose one of the following specializations in the master’s degree: information security, computer systems, artificial intelligence, or other appropriate specializations. However, the list of selectable programs is based on the specialty the bachelor graduated from and the eligibility table established for that year.

In Azerbaijan, bachelors and other higher education graduates have the right to be admitted to the master’s degree. The qualifications of persons who have studied abroad must be recognized in the appropriate manner.

The state ensures that a person can receive free education at the master’s level only once at the state expense. A person who has previously received state-funded master’s degree cannot choose state-funded places again, but can participate in the competition for paid places if they are eligible.

# What subjects are included in the master’s entrance exam?

The Master's degree entrance exam consists of three main test blocks and one writing task:

1. Logical thinking (50 questions)
2. Informatics (25 questions)
3. Foreign language (20 questions)
4. Essay on a foreign language

A total of 95 questions and 1 essay are presented. The candidate has only 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete all these tasks. The candidate must manage his time correctly not only in general, but also in each section. In particular, spending too much time on logic questions can reduce the time allocated to the computer science and foreign language blocks.



# What does the logical thinking section test?

The logical thinking section tests the candidate's ability to analyze data, identify relationships, draw conclusions, and solve problems. This section does not require knowledge of a specific bachelor's degree. The tasks mainly measure the candidate's analytical thinking speed and ability to draw correct conclusions from various information.

The following types of tasks can be found in the logic section:

- Numerical sequences, Finding regularities between numbers
- Logical relationships, Determining the relationship between concepts and ideas
- Conditional problems, Drawing the correct conclusion based on given conditions
- Tables and diagrams, Structuring and analyzing information
- Analogies, Determining similar relationships
- Figure sequences, Finding visual regularities
- Text-based logic, Making the correct conclusion from the given information

Since logical thinking is evaluated with a maximum of 50 points, it constitutes half of the exam result. Therefore, it should be one of the sections that spend the most time during preparation.

# What does the Informatics section test?

The Informatics section tests the candidate's basic knowledge of information technologies and computer science. The exam presents 25 tasks on informatics and it is possible to score a maximum of 25 points from this section.

The following topics can usually be included in the Informatics program:

* Units of measurement of information;
* Number systems;
* Logical operations;
* Algorithms;
* Computer structure;
* Operating systems;
* Text, spreadsheet and presentation programs;
* Databases;
* Computer networks;
* Internet technologies;
* Fundamentals of information security.

The exact list of topics is presented annually in the admission program prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science and in the “Magistr” magazine. During preparation, it is important to use the official program of that year.

# How is the foreign language section conducted?

The foreign language section tests the candidate's language rules, reading comprehension, listening comprehension and writing skills.

* 20 test tasks are presented;
* A maximum of 20 points can be scored from the tests;
* The essay is evaluated with a maximum of 5 points;
* The total maximum result for a foreign language is 25 points.

The foreign language block uses tasks that test reading comprehension, listening comprehension and language rules. In some reading tasks, it is determined whether the statements presented are true or false. In such a task, 1 point can be given if all the answers are correct, and 0.5 points can be given if three out of four statements are answered correctly.

# How is the foreign language essay assessed?

The essay assesses the candidate's ability to express an opinion in writing in a foreign language. A maximum of 5 points are given for the essay and 30 minutes are allocated for writing.

The following criteria are mainly important in an essay:

- Relevance to the topic, The writing does not deviate from the given topic
- Structure, Logical construction of the introduction, main part and conclusion
- Sequence of ideas, The connection of sentences and paragraphs
- Vocabulary, Use of words and expressions appropriate to the level
- Grammar, Correct construction of sentences
- Spelling, Correct spelling of words
- Argumentation, Explanation of the idea with reasons and examples

There is no separate minimum limit on the essay score for choosing specializations taught in Azerbaijani or Russian. However, for specializations taught in English or German, the essay score must be at least 2 points.

# How is the Master's degree score calculated?

In the Master's degree exam, each correct test answer is evaluated with 1 point. Wrong answers do not reduce the score of correct answers. The essay is evaluated with a maximum of 5 points.

The general formula is as follows: Master's degree score = Logic score + Informatics score + Foreign language test score + Essay score

For example, Logic = 36, Informatics = 18, Foreign Language = 14, Essay 3. That is, Master's degree score = 71.

# Can a Bachelor choose any Master's degree specialization?

A Bachelor cannot freely choose any Master's degree specialization. The choice is limited to Master's degree programs corresponding to the Bachelor's degree specialization he graduated from.

The Ministry of Education and Science prepares a "Master's degree specialization selection table". The table shows:

- Bachelor's degree specializations;
- Master's degree specializations corresponding to them;
- Relevant admission programs;
- Minimum scores for specialization selection.

In the electronic selection system, a Bachelor can see and select only Master's degree specializations corresponding to his specialization.

For example, a computer science graduate can select appropriate technical and information technology specializations. However, if his choice of a master's program in law is not provided for in the eligibility table, he cannot include that program in the selection application.

# How is admission to universities for a master's degree conducted?

In Azerbaijan, admission to a master's degree is carried out mainly through a centralized competition of the State Educational Service, not based on a general interview conducted separately by universities. The following are taken into account during placement:

- Master's exam score, is the main competitive indicator
- Specialization sequence, the candidate is placed in the first choice he passes
- Number of plan places, determines the number of people who can be admitted
- State order and paid selection, may create separate competitive opportunities
- Language of instruction, may create an additional minimum requirement for a foreign language
- Bachelor's specialty, determines the specializations that can be selected
- Aptitude exam, is taken into account in programs requiring special abilities

In ordinary specializations, the competition is conducted based on the score collected in the master's entrance exam. In specializations requiring special abilities, the result of the aptitude exam may be taken as the basis.



# Is the UMG added to the master's degree score?

No. The bachelor's UMG is not added to the 100-point result obtained in the master's degree entrance exam.

The main competition score for the master's degree is the sum of the results of logic, computer science, foreign language and essay. UMG is used only as an additional indicator when it is necessary to differentiate candidates who have scored the same exam score.

# What is state-ordered and paid admission?

Master's education is carried out in two main forms of financing:

* On a state-ordered basis;
* On a paid basis.

The tuition fee of a student admitted to a state-ordered place is financed from the state budget. A student admitted to a paid place pays the tuition fee determined by the university.

When choosing a specialization, a candidate can choose a state-ordered, paid basis or both options for each program. Competition in state-ordered places is often higher.

The right to receive master's education at state expense is granted once. A person who previously received a state-ordered master's degree cannot choose a state-ordered place for the second time.

# How is the master's degree passing score formed?

The passing score is the score of the last candidate admitted to a specific university and specialization.

For example, if the last bachelor admitted to a certain specialization by state order scored 78 points, the state-ordered passing score for that program is considered to be 78.

If the result of the last person admitted to a paid place is 63 points, the passing score on a paid basis may be 63.

The following affect the passing score:

* Number of planned places;
* Overall results of candidates;
* Interest in the specialization;
* University reputation;
* Language of instruction;
* Number of state-ordered places;
* Sequence of selection of candidates.

Therefore, the passing score is not precisely determined in advance and may change every year.

# Our recommendations for those who want to prepare for the Master's exam as "Hesabla.com"

Before starting the preparation, the candidate should determine which group the specialization he wants to choose belongs to and how many points are required for that group. Our recommendation is that the Preparation Plan can be set up as follows:

1. Determine the appropriate Master's specializations
2. Choose the target result
3. Measure the current level with a mock exam
4. Analyze the results in logic, computer science and language separately
5. Set up a weekly preparation schedule
6. Practice open-ended tasks separately
7. Write an essay every week
8. Solve the full mock exam in time
9. Group the errors by topic and reason
10. Use the official programs and examples of the State Examination Board

It is not enough to simply make a plan, even if candidates often make the right plan, they make the same mistakes that everyone else makes, reducing their success rate in the exam. So, the most common mistakes made by candidates are, Looking only at the overall score, Spending all the time on Logic, Considering the Essay unimportant, Considering the minimum score as a guarantee of admission and Not practicing the Essay writing.



# Frequently Asked Questions

- What is the Master's exam?

The Master's exam is a centralized DIM exam that evaluates the logical thinking, computer science and foreign language skills of bachelors who want to be admitted to the Master's level in Azerbaijan.

- How many questions are there in the Master's exam?

The exam presents a total of 95 test tasks, including 50 logic, 25 computer science and 20 foreign languages, and one essay topic.

- What is the maximum score in the Master's exam?

The maximum score is 100 points: logic 50, computer science 25, foreign language test 20 and essay 5 points.

- How is the Master's degree score calculated?

The scores for logic, informatics, foreign language test and essay are summed up:

Final score = Logic + Informatics + Foreign language + Essay

- Do incorrect answers carry over to correct answers?

No. Wrong answers do not affect the result of correct answers.

- How many hours is the Master's degree exam?

The time allotted for the tests is 3 hours and 30 minutes, for a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

- What is the minimum score for admission to the Master's degree?

The minimum score can be 30, 40, 45 or 50 points depending on the specialty group. In addition, separate minimum requirements must be met for logic, informatics and foreign language.

- How many times is the Master's degree exam held?

In 2026, the entrance exam is planned to be held in two attempts. The candidate can participate in one or both.

- What is the result if he participates in both attempts?

The bachelor chooses which of the first or second attempts to use in the competition.

- Is the ÜOMG added to the master's degree score?

No. ÜOMG is not added to the 100-point exam result. It can only be used to differentiate candidates who have the same score.

- Can I choose the master's degree specialty I want?

You can only select programs that are compatible with the bachelor's degree you have completed and are listed in the specialization selection table of the Ministry of Education.

- How many specializations can I choose?

The bachelor can enter up to 20 specialization codes that are compatible with the electronic application.

- How many language scores are required for a master's degree in English?

The foreign language score for a state-ordered place must be at least 20, and for a paid place at least 15. In both cases, the essay score requires a minimum of 2 points.

- Is it possible to choose a different master's degree from the bachelor's degree?

It is only possible to select related specializations that are allowed for that bachelor's degree in the Ministry of Education's compatibility table. In journalism, eligible candidates who score 50 or more points can apply regardless of their bachelor's degree and then take the aptitude test.

- Is it possible to study for a master's degree for the second time under a state order?

The state grants the right to free education at the master's level only once. A person who previously received a master's degree under a state order cannot choose a state-ordered place again.

- Is the passing score known in advance?

No. The passing score is formed after the competition based on the planned places, the number of selections, and the results of the candidates.