The Head of the National Organization for Educational Testing (Sanjesh) announced a proposal to establish a cohesive national network of elites and to compile a comprehensive encyclopedia of distinguished individuals, aimed at documenting proven paths to success and making them available to future generations.
Reza Mohammadi, Head of the National Organization for Educational Testing, spoke today at the National Award Festival of Martyr General Soleimani, held in honor of top national achievers in the 2025 national entrance and graduate-level examinations among students from families of martyrs and veterans. Emphasizing the strategic role of science and technology in safeguarding and advancing the country, he stated that Iran’s national university entrance exam (Konkur) is among the most reputable and internationally recognized examinations. He noted that the exam’s results have strong predictive power, showing that those admitted generally go on to succeed in later stages of education and even in their professional careers.
Iran’s Konkur Among the World’s Credible Examinations
Comparing Iran’s Konkur with major global exams, Mohammadi said that several large-scale exams are internationally acknowledged, including Iran’s national and graduate-level entrance exams, China’s Gaokao with over 13 million candidates, and university entrance exams in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Turkey. Nevertheless, in terms of academic credibility and data-driven functionality, Iran’s Konkur is recognized as one of the most reliable examinations worldwide.
He added that the Konkur serves as the basis for decision-making by many academic institutions in the country and is designed in a way that enables accurate prediction of candidates’ academic and professional success—an attribute that significantly enhances its credibility.
Honoring Top Achievers in National and Graduate Examinations
Referring to statistics on top performers, Mohammadi stated that 128 candidates ranked within the top 1 to 100 nationwide in the national entrance exam, 45 top-ranked candidates were identified in the master’s exam, and four top candidates ranked within the top five in the doctoral exam. Altogether, 217 elite individuals were identified across these three major and career-shaping examinations.
He stressed that such achievements are not solely the result of individual effort and that these individuals deserve national recognition. Their behavioral patterns and paths to success, he said, should be systematically documented and preserved as role models for future generations.
Academic Self-Sacrifice Beyond the Use of Quotas
Highlighting the esteemed concept of self-sacrifice, Mohammadi stated that altruism—and its highest form, martyrdom—represents the pinnacle of human values, and honoring it is, in fact, safeguarding values that contemporary society needs more than ever.
He noted that many children of veterans and martyrs participated in highly competitive exams without using their legally entitled quotas, adding that while such quotas are an unquestionable right, consciously foregoing them and achieving top ranks among more than 1.12 million candidates is a remarkable achievement worthy of documentation and emulation.
The Need to Document Role Models Among Elite Veterans’ Families
Emphasizing the responsibility of national decision-makers to recognize the spirit of self-sacrifice, Mohammadi explained that altruism means understanding circumstances correctly, feeling responsibility, and acting appropriately—qualities that society needs today more than ever to overcome challenges.
Referring to the role of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, he stressed the importance of systematically documenting the academic and behavioral models of elite individuals from veterans’ families so this valuable social capital can be harnessed for the country’s scientific and cultural development.
Expressing hope for the near future, Mohammadi said a cohesive network of talented individuals and elites, particularly supported by technological platforms and cyberspace, should be established. As he had stated in the previous year’s meeting, he reiterated the necessity of compiling a comprehensive atlas and encyclopedia of elites, clearly documenting who these individuals are, their rankings, and their positions.
Documenting Success Pathways and Behavioral Models
He underscored the importance of accurately recording successful experiences so that these elites’ behavioral models can be shared with students and applicants, enabling both academic and personal role modeling.
Drawing on more than two decades of experience in assessment, evaluation, and quality assurance, Mohammadi noted that benchmarking and best-practice modeling are widely accepted approaches in reputable global quality assurance systems—and there is no better benchmark than elites who have achieved excellence through perseverance, discipline, and sound academic conduct.
He added that their behavioral patterns, leadership styles, academic lifestyles, and even ways of living can be deeply inspiring, and expressed hope that—with the support of technology—this ecosystem will emerge as an interactive and synergistic network.
Due to time constraints, Mohammadi said he would refrain from elaborating further despite having prepared extensive material, limiting his remarks to the key points.
Emphasizing the Role of Elites in the Country’s Scientific Future
Stating that serving students through the National Organization for Educational Testing is a great honor, Mohammadi thanked all participants for presenting this valuable idea and for their efforts.
He concluded by emphasizing the nation-building role of elites, asserting with confidence and based on careful analysis that the universities they enter—and the country they will help build—will enjoy a strong and promising future.
Wishing continued success to the award recipients, Mohammadi expressed hope that they will pursue their academic paths with excellence and fulfill their roles as the future builders of the nation.
