The compulsory block of the DTM test covers three subjects: native language and literature, maths and history of Uzbekistan - 10 questions each, 30 in total. Each right answer is worth 1.1 points and the block is worth 33 at most. It is the same block for every applicant and its questions are simpler than in the major subjects, but in programmes where cut-offs differ by a point or two, these 33 points can decide everything. Below is what to revise in each subject and how to split your time.
The compulsory block in numbers
For comparison, one question in the 1st major subject is worth 3.1 points. Three mistakes in the compulsory block (3.3 points) cost more than one mistake in the first major subject.
| Subject | Questions | Per question | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native language and literature | 10 | 1.1 | 11 |
| Maths | 10 | 1.1 | 11 |
| History of Uzbekistan | 10 | 1.1 | 11 |
| Total | 30 | 33 |
Why you should not skip the compulsory subjects
- These are the "cheapest" points: the questions come from the core school syllabus and can be brought to a good level quickly.
- In many programmes applicants score almost the same in the major subjects - the compulsory block makes the difference.
- The compulsory block comes first: solve it quickly and confidently and you start the major subjects calm.
- Solid preparation in all three gives 28-30 of 33 points - a real cushion in the competition.
Native language and literature: what to revise
- Spelling, pronunciation norms and punctuation - learn each rule with an example, especially compound and paired words.
- Lexicology and phraseology: word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, idioms.
- Morphology: parts of speech (noun, adjective, numeral, pronoun, verb, adverb) and function words.
- Syntax: parts of the sentence, phrases, simple and complex sentences, direct and reported speech.
- Literature: folklore, classical literature (the works of Alisher Navoi), Jadid literature and 20th-century literature - author, work and hero as sets.
Maths: what to revise
Compulsory maths is not at the major-subject level, but these 10 questions take the most time. Keep one standard method in mind for each topic.
- Arithmetic: fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion - turning a word problem into an expression fast.
- Simplifying algebraic expressions and the short multiplication formulas.
- Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, systems of equations.
- Word problems: motion, work, mixtures, percentage change.
- Progressions and basic plane geometry: triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, area and perimeter.
History of Uzbekistan: what to revise
The most useful tool in history is a timeline sheet: for each period write 5-7 key dates, rulers and events on one page and go over it for 10 minutes a day.
- Ancient states and culture, the early Middle Ages and the Arab conquest.
- States of the 9th-13th centuries and the Mongol invasion.
- Amir Temur and the Timurids, scholars and culture.
- The Shaybanids and the khanates.
- Colonisation by Tsarist Russia, the Jadids, the Soviet period and independent Uzbekistan.
Examples of compulsory-level questions
As you can see, the questions need no long calculations, but each has a trap. When you review mistakes, write down which trap you fell into.
- Maths: a price is raised by 20 % and then cut by 20 %. How has it changed? Solution: 1.2 × 0.8 = 0.96, so the item is 4 % cheaper. The trap is answering "no change".
- Native language: which pair are synonyms? "çiroyli - gözal" (pretty - beautiful). The trap is choosing words with opposite meanings (antonyms) or words that sound the same but mean different things (homonyms).
- History: which city was the capital of Amir Temur's state? Samarkand. The trap is choosing Herat, which became the centre later under the Timurids.
Timing: how long for 30 questions
The whole test is 3 hours (180 minutes), about 2 minutes per question. Aim to finish the compulsory block in 40-45 minutes: the time you save goes to the hard problems in the major subjects.
- Native language: 10-12 minutes - spelling and grammar questions go fast.
- Maths: 18-20 minutes - the part with the most calculation.
- History: 10-12 minutes - you either know it or you do not, so do not dwell.
- Mark a question you are unsure of and come back to it later.
What a national certificate changes
The Regulation approved by Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 646 (as amended by resolution No. 17 of 10 January 2024) says that an applicant with a national certificate gets the set maximum score in the corresponding compulsory subjects. Check each year in the admission rules on uzbmb.uz which certificate covers which compulsory subject and how long it is valid.
A weekly practice plan for the compulsory block
- 15-20 minutes a day: one day native language, one day maths, one day history.
- Once a week, take the 30-question compulsory test in 45 minutes.
- Go through every mistake with the question "why" and add it to your mistake notebook.
- Every two weeks take the full 90-question mock and track the compulsory block score separately.
