The education system in Iran

The education system in Iran has undergone significant changes, especially since the 1979
Islamic Revolution. Here's an overview of the state of education in Iran based on
information up until September 2021:

1. **Structure**: The formal education system in Iran is divided into three main levels:
- **Primary Education (Dabestan)**: Lasts for six years, usually from ages 6 to 12.
- **Middle Education (Guidance Cycle or Rahnamaei)**: Lasts for three years, typically
from ages 12 to 15.
- **High School (Dabirestan)**: Lasts for three years, covering ages 15 to 18. Upon
successful completion, students take the national university entrance exam known as the
"Konkur."

2. **Higher Education**: Universities and higher education institutions offer

undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The most prestigious institutions include
the University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, and Tehran University of Medical
Sciences. The **Konkur** is the critical university entrance exam, and it is highly
competitive.

3. **Literacy**: Since the 1979 revolution, there has been a significant push to increase
literacy rates. As a result, Iran has seen substantial improvements in literacy among the
younger generation.

4. **Gender and Education**: Women have significantly increased their presence in the
educational sector, often outnumbering men in universities. However, there have been
debates and policies surrounding certain majors being restricted for women or having
gender quotas.

5. **Religious Education**: Separate from the mainstream education system, there are
religious institutions known as "Hawzas," which focus on Islamic theology and
jurisprudence.

6. **Curriculum**: The national curriculum is overseen by the government, and there's a

strong emphasis on Islamic teachings in the education system, reflecting the country's
theocratic governance. Over the years, there have been discussions and occasional reforms
to update and modify the curriculum.

7. **Challenges**:
- **Quality**: While access to education has improved, there are concerns about the
quality of education, especially in comparison to international standards.
- **Economic Constraints**: Economic difficulties, partly due to sanctions and internal
policies, have occasionally impacted the education sector, affecting infrastructure, research
funding, and educators' salaries.
- **Brain Drain**: Iran faces significant emigration of educated individuals seeking better
opportunities abroad. This "brain drain" impacts various sectors, including academia,
medicine, engineering, and arts.
8. **Private vs. Public**: While the majority of schools and universities are publicly run and
funded, there has been a growth in private institutions, especially at the higher education
level. Some families prefer private schools for their children due to perceived better quality
and resources.

9. **Cultural Education**: Iran has a rich history and cultural heritage. As such, subjects
related to Persian literature, history, and arts are integral parts of the curriculum.

10. **Technological Integration**: Over the years, there's been an effort to integrate
technology into the educational process, though the level of integration varies by region and
the specific institution.

In summary, education in Iran has seen notable improvements in terms of accessibility and
literacy rates. However, challenges related to quality, curriculum content, and the broader
socio-political context impact the overall educational landscape.