ارزیابی چالش‌ها و تحولات مسئلۀ کنکور در ایران (1342-1357) براساس داده‌های روزنامۀ اطلاعات

Abstract
In this article, using the historical research method and relying on archival documents and historical sources, the educational system in Iran and the dilemma of the university entrance exam (Konkur) during the period of 1342-1357 are examined. During this period, the Iranian educational system faced challenges due to the influence of the nationwide Konkur and the increasing demand for higher education. The establishment of higher education institutions during the Pahlavi era necessitated screening and entrance exams. This led to the recognition of Konkur as a rigorous and determinant exam for university admissions.This article focuses on the transformations and challenges of the Konkur issue in Iran, from its inception to the end of the Pahlavi regime, and examines the country's educational system. The research findings indicate that despite the government's efforts to eliminate Konkur and replace it with other methods, due to the lack of suitable alternatives and deficiencies in specific mechanisms, these efforts have never been successful, and the problems of Konkur have only increased over the years
Keywords: Entrance Exam, Educational System, Problems, Ettelaat Newspaper, Pahlavi.
Introduction
In this article, we delve into the Iranian educational system and the challenges posed by the university entrance exam, known as Konkur, during the period of 1963-1978. By employing the historical research method and drawing upon archival documents and historical sources, we aim to explore the evolution of the educational landscape in Iran amidst the prevalence of Konkur and the escalating demand for higher education... During the specified timeframe, the Iranian educational system encountered significant hurdles due to the widespread influence of Konkur and the growing need for advanced education opportunities. The establishment of higher education institutions during the Pahlavi era necessitated the implementation of screening and entrance exams, ultimately solidifying Konkur's status as a rigorous and decisive assessment for university admissions.
This article focuses on tracing the trajectory of the Konkur issue in Iran, from its inception to the conclusion of the Pahlavi regime, shedding light on the country's educational framework. Our research findings underscore the persistent challenges associated with Konkur, despite governmental endeavors to replace it with alternative methods. The inadequacy of viable substitutes and deficiencies in specific mechanisms have thwarted these reform efforts, leading to a deepening of the problems associated with Konkur over time.
 
Materials & method
In this article, the historical research method was utilized, drawing on archival documents and historical sources to examine the educational system in Iran and the challenges surrounding the university entrance exam (Konkur) during the period of 1963-1978. The Iranian educational system encountered difficulties during this time frame due to the impact of the nationwide Konkur and the growing demand for higher education. The establishment of higher education institutions in the Pahlavi era necessitated the implementation of screening and entrance exams, leading to the recognition of Konkur as a rigorous and decisive exam for university admissions.
 
Discussion & Result
The research conducted on the educational system in Iran and the challenges surrounding the university entrance exam (Konkur) during the period of 1342-1357 sheds light on the significant impact of Konkur on higher education and the evolving educational landscape in the country. The reliance on historical research methods and archival documents provided valuable insights into the historical context and the complexities of the Konkur issue.
The findings of the study underscore the persistent challenges faced by the Iranian educational system, particularly in relation to the nationwide Konkur exam and the growing demand for higher education. Despite attempts by the government to address these challenges and explore alternative methods to Konkur, the research indicates that the issues associated with Konkur have continued to escalate over time.
The recognition of Konkur as a rigorous and decisive exam for university admissions highlights the importance of understanding its historical significance and the implications for the educational system in Iran. The study's emphasis on the transformations and challenges of the Konkur issue from its inception to the end of the Pahlavi regime provides a comprehensive overview of the complexities involved.
 
Conclusion
During the Second Pahlavi era, the issue of mismatch between the capacity of universities and the number of candidates seeking admission to universities opened up in the country's educational landscape after the administration of the Konkur exam. Initially, Konkur was held at the level of faculties and universities, then transitioned to a nationwide and centralized format. Since the inception of Konkur, it had significant social and psychological impacts on the youth and their families, posing a serious threat to the country's educational system. In response to this situation, efforts to address this issue began. In 1969, the Ministry of Science proposed a plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to abolish Konkur and replace it with academic records. This plan also received approval from Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. Unfortunately, this plan never came to fruition, and subsequent government efforts in the following years to eliminate Konkur did not yield the desired results due to various reasons such as lack of necessary infrastructure and resources. The significant social and psychological impacts on the youth and their families necessitated a suitable solution to resolve this issue. However, for various reasons such as the lack of infrastructure and necessary resources, plans to abolish Konkur did not achieve the desired outcome.