Uzbekistan is introducing a procedure under which teachers and students of all educational institutions will undergo targeted psychological diagnostics at least once per academic year. The Ministry of Justice announced the decision, which was adopted by presidential decree.

Under the decree, the procedure also applies to educators, pupils and students. Implementation will happen in two stages:

• from the 2026/2027 academic year: preschool and general secondary institutions;
• from the 2027/2028 academic year: secondary specialized, vocational and higher education institutions.

How the diagnostics work

The diagnostics will be organized by the Psychology Research Institute through a dedicated electronic platform. Personal data and results will be kept confidential. Results will be analyzed with artificial intelligence, and participants will be placed into three groups: 'psychologically stable', 'in need of psychological support' and 'in need of active psychological support'.

Those in need of support will be assigned a psychologist from their institution, while those requiring active help will get a mentor psychologist for their region.

Incentives for psychologists

The decree also sets material incentives. Psychologists engaged as instructors in cascade training courses will receive a surcharge equal to 20 percent of their base salary at their main workplace. In addition, 150 mentor psychologists who achieved the best results in ensuring psychological stability during the year will receive a one-time payment equal to 20 times the minimum wage.

Psychological service staff in educational institutions must complete professional development at least once every five years.

A new research institute

A Psychology Research Institute will be established on the basis of the Psychology Educational and Research Center of the Nizami Ganjavi National Pedagogical University and placed under the Ministry of Education and Science. From 1 January 2027, the institute will launch laboratories in digital psychology and artificial intelligence, educational psychology and psychological services, and psychological health and prevention.

The key takeaway for parents and teachers: regular checks of psychological well-being during the school year are becoming routine, which helps identify problems early.

Source: Daryo.uz