On March 12, 2025, over 42,500 ninth-grade students across Russia will take part in the final interview for the Russian language. This significant event is set to occur not only within the country but also at Russian educational organizations abroad. The final interview plays a pivotal role for ninth-grade graduates, as successful completion is one of the conditions for admission to the state final certification.
According to the Ministry of Education of Russia, most students had previously completed their interviews on the main date, February 12, 2025. Remarkably, 98.7% of participants passed during this initial round, demonstrating the readiness of students for the state certification process.
Nonetheless, the upcoming additional interview date caters to those who received failing marks, were removed from the interview, or did not participate for valid documented reasons. For these students, the opportunity to retake the interview is invaluable. Another supplementary date has been scheduled for April 21, 2025, ensuring all students are afforded the chance to meet the necessary requirements.
The final interviews can be conducted either physically or remotely, depending on decisions made by regional education authorities. This flexibility reflects the growing trend toward utilizing information and communication technologies to facilitate educational assessments.
During the interview, participants will be required to complete four tasks: reading a text aloud, providing a detailed retelling of the text, delivering a monologue on one of several chosen topics, and engaging in dialogue with the examiner. The texts and topics featured during these tasks will include themes centered on famous Russians from both the past and present, including scientists, inventors, cosmonauts, military leaders, war heroes, figures from the arts, athletes, and medical professionals—individuals regarded as significant contributors to the nation's development.
Each interview is expected to last approximately 15 to 16 minutes. Special provisions are made for participants with disabilities, including disabled children and others, where the duration of the procedure may be extended by 30 minutes to accommodate their needs.
This structured assessment is not merely bureaucratic; it plays an integral part of the educational framework for ninth-grade students, helping to prepare them for secondary education and ensuring they have mastered fundamental linguistic competencies. The results from these interviews will have lasting effects not only on the immediate academic paths of students but also on their future educational and career opportunities.