LGS Exam Leak Sparks Outrage as 719 Score Full Marks

A new scandal has erupted in Turkey’s education system following claims that LGS (High School Entrance Exam) questions were leaked before the official exam date, leading to 719 students achieving full marks—an unusually high number that has triggered widespread public backlash and political reaction.

The allegations center on the unauthorized distribution of the official LGS question booklet, part of the nationwide centralized high school placement exam. The event has cast serious doubt over the integrity of the 2025 exam process, with educators, parents, and political figures demanding accountability.

Education Ministry Confirms Investigation, 29 Officials Under Scrutiny

Minister of Education Yusuf Tekin responded to the controversy by confirming that an administrative investigation has been launched against 29 individuals. The probe aims to uncover whether the exam booklet was leaked prior to the test.

In a rapid leadership shake-up, Özgür Türk, who had been serving as Director General of Information Technologies at the Ministry of Education, was removed from his post. He has been replaced by Prof. Dr. Ersin Karaman, signaling a deeper inquiry into the possible breach in digital security protocols.

Political Fallout: CHP Files Criminal Complaint

As public confidence in the exam’s fairness continues to erode, the main opposition party CHP (Republican People’s Party) has filed a formal criminal complaint regarding the LGS leak. The party argues that the alleged breach represents a failure of public trust and demands a transparent judicial review.

The CHP’s move comes amid growing calls for a re-evaluation of the LGS results, with educators warning that systemic flaws could undermine the merit-based placement system for high schools.

Education System Under the Microscope

The LGS exam plays a critical role in determining student placement in Turkey’s top-tier high schools, including science and Anatolian schools. Leaks in such a system threaten academic integrity and widen inequality in education access, experts warn.

As investigations unfold, stakeholders across the education sector are calling for full transparency, tighter cybersecurity protocols, and possibly even a retesting or recalibration of placement scores.