Afghanistan’s Kankor Examination: Challenges and Solutions

Afghanistan’s Kankor Examination: Challenges and Solutions

Kaleemullah Khan, Nassir Ul Haq Wani, Mehria Fana, Freshta Abbasi and Mohammad Shoaib

Abstract

The objective of this research is to stimulate and generate discussions, on different aspects of Kankor examination-related issues in Afghanistan. The report primarily focuses on the dimensions which are related to the Kankor examination envisaging and evaluating the linkage between the Kankor topper scorers with the academic performance of the students in the University. Furthermore, the study evaluates the consequences of the students who fail in the examination and the associated stigma on their future and accordingly proposes the mitigating solution to overcome the social stigma effect. To address the aforementioned issues and to establish the objectives of this study, the relationship of students’ Kankor scores with their university performance was analyzed through correlation technique and it is concluded that there is a relationship, however, this relationship is very weak. The second objective was to find out the mitigation mechanisms or factors that may be considered to reduce the social stigma associated with failing Kankor. To meet this objective, a triangulation approach of data collection was employed. Considering the heterogeneity of different stakeholders, focus group discussion (FGDs), distribution of online questionnaires, and interviews were conducted to meet the objectives of the study in a rational way. Moreover, many overwhelming and compelling factors are found. First, the Kankor examination is not specialized in Afghanistan. Based on the current system, students need to prepare for taking the test of all subjects taught during secondary school regardless of what their first choice would be on the Kankor examination. The main important mitigation factor concluded was the option of public-private partnership and Private Sector Universities. In the end, it is suggested that there is a strong need for a collaborative approach between the ministry of education and the ministry of higher education and the private sector. A public-private partnership or association is proposed with the collaborative approach between MoHE and the private sector to accommodate students in the private sector by offering scholarships. It is also suggested that the private sector should be made autonomous. However, it should be done with a proper and collaborative approach to outcome measurement by MoHE. Lastly, this report ends with recommendations and implications.

Keywords: Afghanistan, Challenges, Kankor, Kankor score, Solutions.

Dr. Kaleemullah Khan, Assistant Professor, School of Graduate Studies, Kardan University Kabul Afghanistan. <kaleemullah@kardan.edu.af > Dr. Nassir Ul Haq Wani, Head, Department of Research and Development, Kardan University, Kabul Afghanistan. <n.wani@kardan.edu.af> Ms. Mehria Fana, Member of Research Society, Kardan University, Kabul, Afghanistan. Ms. Freshta Abbasi, Member of Research Society, Kardan University, Kabul, Afghanistan. Mr. Mohammad Shoaib, Member of Research Society, Kardan University, Kabul, Afghanistan.