Polish Graduates Begin Matura Exams With Biology Test

On Friday, May 9, 2025, high school graduates across Poland began their Matura exams with the biology test, which kicked off at 9:00 AM and lasted for 180 minutes. This year, approximately 44,400 students, representing 16.1% of the graduating class, opted to take the biology exam, making it the fifth most popular subject among this year's graduates. Following the biology exam, a philosophy test is scheduled for the afternoon, starting at 2:00 PM.

The Matura exam is a critical rite of passage for Polish students, as it serves as a gateway to higher education. Students must complete three compulsory written exams at the basic level: Polish, mathematics, and a modern foreign language, in addition to two oral exams in Polish and a foreign language. For this graduating class, the biology exam is particularly significant, especially for those aspiring to enter medical or environmental studies.

Students preparing for the biology exam focused on a variety of topics, including genetics, metabolism, human anatomy, ecology, evolution, cytology, and plant and animal biology. Each student can earn a maximum of 60 points on the biology exam, and to pass the Matura, they must achieve at least 30% of the points from their compulsory exams.

The main examination period spans from May 5 to May 24, 2025. During this time, written exams will occur from May 5 to May 22, while oral exams will take place from May 9 to May 24. The results of the Matura exams will be available on July 8, 2025, after 8:30 AM, and students can check their scores online.

For those who miss the main exam period, there are additional retake opportunities scheduled between June 3 and June 17, 2025, with oral retakes occurring from June 9 to June 11. The written retake exam is set for August 19, 2025, followed by the oral retake on August 20, 2025.

Interestingly, while biology is a popular choice, philosophy remains a less common subject among graduates, with only 1,800 students declaring their intention to take the philosophy exam, which is less than 1% of the total graduating class. This year marks a shift as students are the first to take the exams based on the new curriculum requirements, which were adjusted to reduce the content by 20% due to the pandemic.

The biology exam is particularly crucial for students aiming for careers in health-related fields, and it is often viewed as a stepping stone to medical school or environmental studies. The average score for the previous year's biology Matura was around 40%, indicating the competitive nature of the exam.

As the students tackle the biology exam, they are reminded of the importance of preparation. Experts recommend practicing with past exam papers, focusing on understanding biological vocabulary, and simulating exam conditions to enhance their performance. Students are encouraged to actively engage with the material through mind maps and problem-solving tasks to better prepare for the exam.

Central Examination Board (CKE) will publish the official exam papers for both the biology and philosophy tests on the same day. The biology exam sheets will be released in the afternoon, while the philosophy exam sheets will follow in the evening. This timely release allows students to review their performance and compare it with the suggested answers provided by educational experts.

Overall, the Matura exams represent a significant milestone for Polish students, marking the culmination of years of study. As they navigate through these tests, the emphasis on thorough preparation and understanding of the subject matter remains paramount. With the results set to be released in July, students are hopeful for favorable outcomes that will pave the way for their future academic pursuits.

In conclusion, the Matura exams not only test knowledge but also prepare students for the challenges of higher education. As the biology and philosophy exams unfold, the focus remains on achieving the necessary scores to secure a place in the universities of their choice.