On May 9, 2025, the Matura biology exam took place, marking a significant moment for over 56,700 students across Poland. The exam, which was available in both the 2023 and 2015 formats, lasted 180 minutes and was worth a total of 60 points. Almost immediately after the exam began, however, the integrity of the testing process was called into question when the exam sheet leaked online within an hour of its commencement.
Students, eager to compare their answers, took to social media to share proposed solutions rather than waiting for the official sheet from the Central Examination Board (CKE). According to CKE, "the first photos of the exam sheet were published on a social media site after the exam started," prompting the board to monitor the situation closely and consider notifying the appropriate authorities if necessary.
As the clock ticked down to noon, students began to exit exam rooms, sharing mixed reviews of the test's difficulty. One student posted, "The biology exam was mega difficult," while another expressed relief, stating, "Biology this year was really interesting and fun; for me, not too hard, a lot on personal knowledge." The diversity of opinions reflects the varying levels of preparedness among students.
Looking ahead, the schedule for upcoming Matura exams includes mathematics on May 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by other subjects in the subsequent days. The full timetable for the Matura exams runs from May 5 to May 24, 2025, encompassing a range of subjects that students must navigate.
For those who may not achieve the required scores, CKE has planned a retake exam, or Matura poprawkowa, on August 19, 2025, for written exams, and August 20, 2025, for oral exams. Results for the Matura exams will be announced on July 8, 2025, a date students are eagerly anticipating.
The Matura exam serves as a crucial benchmark for students, with each subject's duration varying; for instance, the Polish exam at the basic level lasts 240 minutes, while mathematics is set at 180 minutes. To pass, students must achieve at least 30% of the points in mandatory subjects at the basic level. This year, students are also required to take at least one exam at the extended level, although no minimum passing threshold is enforced for these additional subjects.
In an effort to maintain the integrity of the exam process, CKE has reiterated that any use of telecommunications devices within the exam room would result in disqualification. They emphasized that while students could discuss exam content after leaving the room, capturing images of the exam sheet during the test is a violation of legal regulations.
According to CKE, "The Central Examination Board analyzes the situation continuously throughout the examination session. If there is a justified suspicion of a legal violation, CKE will submit appropriate notifications to the relevant services." This vigilance highlights the importance of maintaining exam integrity for all students involved.
As the Matura exams continue, students are reminded of the materials they can bring into the exam room. For the biology exam, permitted items include a ruler, a simple calculator, and selected physicochemical formulas and constants. This allowance aims to aid students in showcasing their knowledge without compromising the fairness of the exam.
The Matura is not just a test; it represents a pivotal moment in a student’s academic journey, often influencing future educational and career opportunities. High scores, particularly in extended subjects like biology, are critical for those aspiring to enter competitive fields such as medicine, veterinary science, or biotechnology.
As the biology exam concluded, students expressed relief and concern, with one commenting, "I left early because my stomach was growling, and I didn’t want to disturb others thinking too hard." This sentiment captures the stress and pressure students face during this crucial time.
Looking at the broader context, the Matura exams are part of a larger educational framework in Poland, designed to assess students' competencies in various subjects, including mandatory oral exams in Polish and foreign languages. These oral exams, conducted from May 9 to May 24, 2025, will account for over 572,000 assessments nationwide.
The Matura serves multiple functions: it assesses whether students meet the educational standards set forth in the curriculum, certifies their knowledge and skills in key subjects, and often replaces entrance exams for higher education institutions that rely on Matura results for admission criteria.
As the examination period progresses, students and educators alike are hopeful for a smooth process, free from further disruptions. The Matura is a rite of passage for many young Poles, and its successful completion opens doors to future academic and professional endeavors.
In the coming weeks, students will continue to prepare for their upcoming exams, with the biology exam now behind them. The focus will shift to mathematics and other subjects, as they strive to achieve their academic goals and secure their futures.
