Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Gen Z recruits under pressure

New trend: One in three military candidates fails psychological screening

Photo: Zdravka Maslyankova

Generation Z is facing serious difficulties coping with stress, according to results from cadet exams at the Vasil Levski National Military University in Veliko Tarnovo, reported by BNR correspondent Zdravka Maslyankova.


While until recently physical fitness and medical condition were the main challenges for military career candidates, now the focus is more on their mental stability. For the first time, 30–40% of candidates failed the psychological test. Only half of the places were filled for the new academic year, despite 270 cadets being expected to be admitted.


"Our generation is spoiled," explain 15-year-olds Soner Günaydın and Teodor Stariradev from Gorna Oryahovitsa.

Teodor Stariradev (L) and Soner Günaydın

The problem of understaffing in the army is serious and has persisted for years. The National Military University had announced an additional intake, hoping that at least 200 cadets will take their military oath this autumn.



Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova

Photos: Zdravka Maslyankova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Orange heat warning Issued nationwide, except for the coast

On Wednesday, minimum temperatures will range between 17°C and 23°C , with Sofia at 17°C. The morning will be mostly sunny, but atmospheric instability is expected to develop in the afternoon. Cumulonimbus clouds will form, leading to brief showers and..

published on 7/22/25 7:05 PM

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil to lead liturgy in the village of Yahinovo

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil will lead a patriarchal liturgy in the village of Yahinovo, Dupnitsa municipality, this Saturday, BTA has reported. Locals define the upcoming visit of the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to the church "St. Petka" as a..

published on 7/22/25 5:54 PM

Ahmed Dogan says that DPS has been hijacked, creates a new formation

Ahmed Dogan has announced the upcoming creation of a new political project, which will be "the successor to the historical mission of the DPS - to protect the rights of minorities and every Bulgarian citizen, to participate in real politics, to..

published on 7/22/25 5:34 PM