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Comprehensive LGS Exam Guide 2026: Question Distribution, School Types, and Excellence Strategies
The transition from middle school to high school in Turkey represents a pivotal milestone in a student’s academic path. The LGS exam (Liselere Geçiş Sistemi) serves as the primary gateway to gaining admission into top Turkish high schools, such as Anatolian High Schools and Science High Schools.
Whether you are a student preparing for the exam or a parent seeking a clear roadmap to support your child, this dedicated guide provides everything you need to know about the LGS 2026 exam, ranging from question structure and available school types to study strategies and score calculation.
What is the LGS Exam and Who is it For?
The LGS exam is the national system accredited by the Ministry of National Education of Turkey (MEB) to select students transitioning from the 8th grade to high school.
Although taking the exam is not mandatory for all students, it is an essential requirement for admission to schools that accept students based on competitive point rankings (Sınavla Öğrenci Alan Liseler).
Types of High Schools Accessible via the LGS Exam
Available schools vary based on student exam scores. The main types of high schools in Turkey include:
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Science High Schools (Fen Liseleri): Attract top-tier students and feature an advanced curriculum focused on science and mathematics.
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Anatolian High Schools (Anadolu Liseleri): Divided into several categories, including:
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General Anatolian High Schools (Anadolu Lisesi)
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Girls’ Anatolian High Schools (Kız Anadolu Lisesi)
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Boys’ Anatolian High Schools (Erkek Anadolu Lisesi)
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Social Sciences High Schools (Sosyal Bilimler Liseleri): Tailored for students interested in social sciences, literature, and history.
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Vocational and Imam Hatip High Schools: Select specialized and advanced departments that require competitive LGS scores.
How are schools selected? Student admission to these schools depends entirely on the score (Puan) and percentile ranking (Yüzdelik Dilim) achieved on the LGS exam. The system processes student preferences based on their score and compares them against the minimum score threshold for each school.
LGS Exam Structure and Question Distribution
The LGS exam consists of two sessions held on the same day with a break in between, totaling 90 questions. The questions are characterized by the New Generation Question style (Yeni Nesil Sorular), which emphasizes comprehension, critical analysis, and logical reasoning over direct memorization.
1. First Session: Verbal Section (Sözel Bölüm)
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Duration: 75 minutes
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Number of Questions: 50 questions
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Subject Breakdown:
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Turkish Language (Türkçe): 20 questions
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Revolution History and Kemalism (T.C. İnkılap Tarihi ve Atatürkçülük): 10 questions
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Religious Culture and Ethics (Din Kültürü ve Ahlak Bilgisi): 10 questions
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Foreign Language (Yabancı Dil — usually English): 10 questions
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2. Second Session: Numerical Section (Sayısal Bölüm)
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Duration: 80 minutes
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Number of Questions: 40 questions
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Subject Breakdown:
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Mathematics (Matematik): 20 questions
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Natural Sciences (Fen Bilimleri): 20 questions
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How Are LGS Scores Calculated?
Calculating the final score in the LGS exam does not depend solely on the number of correct answers. It is subject to weighted coefficients (Katsayılar) that vary by subject:
Penalty Rule for Incorrect Answers (3 Yanlış 1 Doğruyu Götürür): In the LGS exam, every 3 incorrect answers deduct 1 correct answer. Therefore, students are advised against random guessing and should leave a question blank if they are unsure to prevent point deductions.
Proven Strategies for LGS Excellence
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Early Mastery of New Generation Questions (Yeni Nesil): LGS questions feature long texts and data charts that require fast reading and deep understanding. Practice daily on high-order thinking skill problems (Beceri Temelli Sorular).
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Time Management During the Test: In the numerical session, allocate approximately 4 minutes per mathematics question and 2 to 2.5 minutes per science question. Start with easier questions to build confidence.
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Solve Past Years’ Exam Papers (Çıkmış Sorular): Follow the monthly sample questions published by the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB), as they serve as the most accurate guide to expected question patterns.
LGS Exam Preparation Courses at Emisa Academy
If you are looking for the strongest educational environment to guarantee top scores, Emisa Academy provides intensive, professional LGS preparation courses across its branches:
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Istanbul Branch
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Bursa Branch
What Do LGS Courses at Emisa Academy Offer?
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Comprehensive Curriculum: Complete coverage of Turkish curricula simplified to focus on higher-order thinking skills and new generation questions.
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Structured Schedule: Weekly and monthly plans that manage study time, ensuring full syllabus completion with ample time for review and practice tests.
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Individual Progress Tracking: Continuous evaluation of student performance through regular practice exams (Deneme Sınavları) and targeted analysis of strengths and weaknesses.
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Expert Teaching Staff: Experienced instructors specializing in Turkish LGS exam patterns to provide full guidance up to exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions About the LGS Exam
What is the LGS exam?
It is the national exam system approved by the Ministry of National Education of Turkey (MEB) to place 8th-grade students into high schools. It is required for admission to score-based competitive schools.
How many questions are on the LGS exam and how long is it?
It comprises 90 questions divided into two sessions: the Verbal Section (50 questions in 75 minutes) and the Numerical Section (40 questions in 80 minutes).
How are LGS exam scores calculated?
Scores are calculated using weighted coefficients: Turkish, Mathematics, and Science carry a multiplier of 4, while other subjects carry a multiplier of 1. Every 3 wrong answers eliminate 1 correct answer.
Is guessing risky on the LGS exam?
Yes. Because of the negative marking rule (3 wrong answers cancel 1 correct answer), random guessing can lower overall points. Leaving uncertain questions blank is recommended.
Looking for the Shortest Path to Academic Excellence?
At Emisa Academy, we do not simply teach the syllabus; we build a smart, comprehensive study strategy designed to maximize your LGS score and secure placement in top Turkish high schools. Join us today at our Istanbul and Bursa branches, and benefit from expert teachers, intensive preparation programs, and step-by-step student tracking.
Start your academic future here with Emisa Akademi your partner in success and excellence!
