![[Jean-François FORT / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/149118737/7244562a80d2a2a934d2239812b75d93f1643593b1267b94c037f9b7730cd560)
Overview
- More than 850,000 collégiens began the reformed diplôme national du brevet on Friday, June 26, starting with the three‑hour French written exam scheduled in the morning.
- The 2026 DNB uses a new format that raises the exam’s weight to 60% of the final mark, adds 3e grades to continuous assessment, and introduces a short, calculator‑free 'automatismes' section in mathematics.
- Education Minister Édouard Geffray defended holding the exams as planned and ordered local measures such as open windows, extra breaks, water distribution, relocated rooms and portable air conditioning to reduce heat exposure.
- Teachers’ unions labelled the decision dangerous and urged targeted strikes, while FCPE‑Paris filed an emergency administrative appeal seeking postponement or cancellation in its academy.
- Authorities warn the new format will cut pass rates; results are due to be published by regional academies around July 8–10, and high mentions carry tangible financial incentives such as state merit bursaries and private discounts.