TrustExam.ai supports testing for applicants to the Bolashak international scholarship programme. This experience concerns competitive selection, where clear assessment conditions and reasoned review of results matter.
For scholarship assessment organisers, the case explores practical aspects of online testing: candidate preparation, equipment requirements and the review of proctoring materials. Here we examine the programme’s public requirements and considerations for organising similar assessments.
Programme context
Bolashak is Kazakhstan’s international scholarship programme. Selection comprises comprehensive testing, an interview and a Republican Commission decision. Official programme requirements.
TrustExam’s role in this case concerns testing support. Scholarship awards are decided through the programme’s selection procedure.
What Bolashak comprehensive testing includes
The official demonstration materials for the first stage cover three formats:
Numerical reasoning: working with numerical information, tables and charts. For an assessment organiser, readable data and reliable presentation of task materials are practical design considerations. Numerical test example — PDF.
Verbal reasoning: reading passages and answering related questions. Organisers should check the reading experience and navigation between questions. Verbal test example — PDF.
A personality questionnaire: the official document outlines competencies including decision-making, communication, planning and adaptation. Interpreting such results requires an assessment methodology of its own. Personality questionnaire overview — PDF.
These published formats explain the assessment context. Task methodology and the scope of technical services are separate parts of assessment delivery.
Assessment conditions
The requirements specify audio/video recording and preliminary computer, internet, camera and microphone checks. A standard calculator, pen and paper are permitted; smartphone calculators are prohibited. Breaks are allowed between tests, with no retesting. Comprehensive testing rules.
What camera, screen and event records contribute
When organising proctoring, camera and screen recordings provide different kinds of context: the participant’s camera view and activity on the computer. When reviewing a disputed situation, an organiser compares the available materials with the rules for the assessment block.
Event images help locate moments that may need review. An episode may produce multiple materials, and identity verification serves a separate purpose. An automated signal alone does not establish that a participant broke a rule.
For example, a “no face in view” event calls for context: what happened before and afterwards, whether the image was available and which rule applied. A proctoring signal draws attention to an episode; an integrity decision requires review. This illustrates a review approach rather than a finding about a particular Bolashak candidate.
Read more about reviewing proctoring signals and appeals.
Practical considerations for scholarship selection programmes
Experience supporting scholarship testing is relevant to scholarship funds, universities and competitive selection organisers. When planning a similar project, agree three parts of the process:
Before testing: clear instructions, equipment checks, permitted tools and a route to technical support. Candidates should understand the conditions before the scored attempt starts.
During testing: the format and boundaries of each block, required recording channels and the procedure for technical interruptions. Storage planning should reflect the assessment structure.
After testing: authorised reviewer access, the event-review process, retention periods and transfer of materials. Define answer scoring and integrity review separately.
These are configuration questions for your own project. They help turn a request for proctoring into specific requirements for scholarship assessment delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Which formats does Bolashak comprehensive testing include?
The programme’s official demonstration materials describe numerical and verbal tests and a personality questionnaire. Links to these materials are provided in the assessment-format section.
Does an event image prove misconduct?
An image provides material for review. A decision requires the applicable test conditions and session context; an automated signal alone does not establish misconduct.
What should an organiser prepare for a similar implementation?
Task formats, expected participant numbers and concurrent connections, the schedule, languages, permitted resources, a process for disputed situations and data-retention requirements.
Discuss assessment for your scholarship programme
If you run a scholarship competition or educational selection programme, share your assessment structure and candidate rules with the TrustExam team. These details support a practical discussion of exam delivery, proctoring and post-assessment review.
Discuss scholarship assessment with TrustExam · Explore the platform workflow.