UTBK Mandiri 2025 Uses Normative Assessment System, ULM Ensures Selection Transparency
Banjarmasin – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) officially started the implementation of the Computer-Based Written Exam (UTBK) Independent Path on Monday (30/6). Thousands of participants took the first day of the exam which was held in 25 computer laboratories spread across 10 buildings on the ULM Banjarmasin campus.
The exam was held in two sessions each day for three days, namely the morning session at 08.00–11.00 WITA and the afternoon session at 13.00–16.00 WITA. Participants must be in the exam room before 08.00 for the morning session and before 13.00 for the afternoon session.
ULM Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Iwan Aflanie, dr., M.Kes., Sp.F., SH, said that the public’s enthusiasm for entering ULM through the independent pathway remains high.
“Today, we at ULM are implementing the Independent Pathway UTBK like in previous years. Alhamdulillah, the enthusiasm of prospective students remains high. The number of applicants has reached 3,968 people, who will compete for the 2,873 available seats,” he said.
A total of 70 study programs from 11 faculties are open for the independent pathway, including Bachelor’s (S1) and Diploma Three (D3) levels. The exam will be held using 25 computer laboratories spread across various faculty and postgraduate buildings.
Furthermore, Dr. Iwan explained that this year’s Independent UTBK questions are generally similar to those in previous years. However, the assessment system uses a normative reference approach, not a standard reference.
“This means that participants will be selected based on the best score from all applicants, not based on fixed passing standards. We will conduct a digital assessment through a computerized system that has been prepared,” he explained.
After all stages of the UTBK are complete, ULM will announce the selection results to the public and prospective students. The next process will be continued with a health test including a drug test, as part of the new student admission stages.
On that occasion, Vice Rector I also emphasized the importance of participant readiness from various aspects, not only knowledge, but also mental and physical.
“We hope that all participants will take the exam with honesty, enthusiasm, and integrity. Hopefully, through this independent route, ULM will get the best seeds to continue their higher education,” he added.
The implementation of the 2025 Independent UTBK is one of the strategic routes for ULM in recruiting superior students from various regions in Indonesia, especially Kalimantan.
ULM will continue to oversee the implementation of UTBK until the last day on July 2, 2025. Official information regarding the exam results and the next stage will be announced through the official website of Lambung Mangkurat University or https://pmb.ulm.ac.id
