Polish Students Confront Matura Mathematics Exam Today

On May 6, 2025, Polish high school students faced one of the most anticipated and anxiety-inducing moments of their academic careers—the Matura mathematics exam. This exam, which is a prerequisite for university admission, took place at 9:00 AM and lasted 170 minutes. It is part of the broader Matura examination series, which kicked off the previous day with the Polish language test.

For many students, mathematics is often viewed as the most challenging subject, leading to a significant amount of stress and preparation in the weeks leading up to the exam. As Piotr Wojtecki from the Infotech Schools in Białystok noted, students have been intensely practicing with previous years' exam papers to boost their confidence and skills.

This year, the mathematics exam was conducted under two different formats: the new 2023 formula and the older 2015 formula. This dual approach allows students who may have previously struggled with the subject to attempt the exam under a format they are more familiar with. Regardless of the format, students needed to secure a minimum of 30% of the total points available—15 out of 50—to pass.

As the clock struck 9:00 AM, students across Poland began their examination. The Central Examination Board (CKE) has made provisions for students to use simple calculators and provided them with mathematical tables, including formulas and trigonometric values, to assist during the test.

Initial reactions from students on social media indicated that the exam was manageable, with many commenting that it resembled the practice exams they had encountered. "There were a couple of questions that made me hesitate," one student shared, reflecting the typical mix of confidence and uncertainty that accompanies such a high-stakes test.

However, the day was not without its controversies. Shortly after the exam commenced, photos of several pages from the test began circulating online, prompting an investigation by the CKE. Director Robert Zakrzewski confirmed that they are collecting materials related to this breach, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process.

As the exam concluded, students eagerly awaited the release of the official CKE exam sheet, which is expected to be available around 2:00 PM. This document will include all the questions from the exam, allowing students to compare their answers and gauge their performance. Wojtecki has committed to providing solutions to the exam questions, helping students understand where they may have excelled or struggled.

The Matura mathematics exam is a crucial part of the graduation process, and students are required to complete three written exams at the basic level: Polish, mathematics, and a foreign language, along with two oral exams in Polish and a foreign language. Failure to pass any of these subjects means that students cannot graduate, which adds to the pressure surrounding the mathematics exam.

In the context of past performance, the statistics surrounding the Matura exam reveal a stark reality. In 2024, the pass rate for the mathematics exam was just 91.4%, with an average score of 63% for those who did pass. In comparison, the pass rates for the other two compulsory subjects—Polish and foreign languages—were significantly higher at 96.1% and 96.4%, respectively. This disparity underscores the challenges many students face when tackling mathematics.

For those who might not pass the exam on their first attempt, there are additional opportunities. The supplementary mathematics exam is scheduled for June 4, 2025, while all written re-sit exams will take place on August 19, 2025. The CKE is set to announce the results of this year's Matura exams on July 8, 2025, providing students with a definitive outcome of their efforts.

As students reflect on their performance in the mathematics exam, many will turn to online platforms and educational resources to find the correct answers and solutions. While the official answers will not be published by the CKE, various educational websites and experts will offer their insights, allowing students to assess their understanding of the material.

The Matura mathematics exam remains a significant milestone in the academic journey of Polish students. With the stakes high and the pressure palpable, it is a defining moment that shapes their future educational paths. As students await their results, the collective hope is that they have successfully navigated this challenging yet crucial test.