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Spain overhauls university entrance exams to emphasize critical thinking

Preparations intensify as institutions finalize logistics for national tests designed to assess problem-solving skills and reduce rote learning

Overview

  • Tens of thousands of students across 17 regions will sit the PAU from June 3 to 5, with a secondary July session available for those from last year’s flood-affected areas.
  • The revamped format cuts optional questions and embeds at least 25% competency-based items to test real-world application rather than memorization.
  • Enrollment has risen in several regions, including 9,551 candidates in Castilla-La Mancha, 9,153 in Málaga and 7,774 in Murcia, as universities report growing demand.
  • Over 500 students with specific educational needs will receive tailored accommodations under expanded support measures to ensure equitable access.
  • Strict anti-cheating rules are in force—with immediate expulsion and exam nullification for fraud—and provisional scores are due June 10–13 ahead of final grades mid-June.