Romania is gearing up for the 2025 Baccalaureate exam, and in preparation, the Ministry of Education has released crucial updates regarding the exam and its structure. This year's Baccalaureate, which represents a significant milestone for graduating high school students, will take place in two distinct phases. The first stage evaluating linguistic and digital competencies occurred this past February, marking a historical first in the exam's format. As anticipation builds, approximately 123,000 students from across the country are set to participate in a simulation designed to prepare them further for the actual Baccalaureate experience.
The simulation exams are scheduled to begin on March 24, 2025, starting with the Romanian language test. Following this, students will proceed with three more written evaluations over consecutive days, culminating on March 27. Each of these exams will kick off promptly at 9:00 AM and will last for three hours, providing students a structured environment to showcase their abilities. Students must ensure they are in the exam rooms by 8:30 AM, and they are required to present an identification document upon entry, adhering to procedural regulations set by the Ministry.
During the simulation, students will operate under strict guidelines, as outlined by the Ministry of Education. Notably, they cannot leave the examination room with the test materials, an essential rule to maintain academic integrity during evaluations. The exams will also follow a standardized grading scale established by the Ministry, ensuring fairness in assessment across all participating schools. As per the Ministry's official announcement, 'Simularea se va organiza în 1.318 unități de învățământ liceal, numărul de elevi implicați – estimativ – fiind de circa 123.000.' This highlights the extensive reach of the simulation across the Romanian educational landscape.
Additionally, it is important to note that the results of these simulation tests will not be publicly posted. Instead, they will be communicated to students through a unique coding system that maintains anonymity during the assessment process. As the Ministry states, 'Rezultatele obținute la simulările naționale nu sunt afișate și nu sunt făcute publice.' This approach serves to reduce pressure on students and encourages a focus on personal improvement rather than public comparisons.
Looking ahead to the official Baccalaureate exams scheduled for June 10, 2025, students will again face a structured series of tests beginning with the Romanian language and continuing with mandatory subjects, elective subjects, and the mother tongue. This year's exam calendar clearly lays out significant dates: the written exams will wrap up by June 16, with initial results to be posted on June 20, 2025. Students dissatisfied with their scores will have an opportunity to submit appeals on June 23 and 24, while final results will be confirmed and displayed on June 30.
This structure, including the ability for students to view their test results before filing any objections, is a significant shift aimed at enhancing transparency and student agency in the examination process. Such innovations reflect a response to concerns raised by educators and various stakeholders about the pressure students face during their examinations.
In light of recent critiques, including a public request by 37 teachers from Colegiul Național 'Sfântul Sava' to reconsider the exam calendar, the Ministry has maintained that these adjustments are beneficial. The former Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, emphasized that rescheduling exams to avoid the heat of summer was a measure aimed at better supporting student performance.
The technological advancements brought into this year’s exam cycle stand out, with plans for digital evaluation of student work—a move that could further streamline the assessment process. Works will be scanned and corrected digitally by educators situated anywhere in the country, and if discrepancies arise between evaluators' scores, additional reviews will be conducted to achieve fairness. All this is geared towards refining the process from administration to assessment, ensuring that every student receives accurate evaluations reflective of their true capabilities.
As this year’s simulation exams commence, all eyes will be on students as they engage in this critical preparation phase. The Baccalaureate is undeniably more than just an exam; it serves as a significant stepping stone for young Romanians as they transition from secondary education to higher studies and their future careers. With structured support from the Ministry of Education and updated examination protocols, students can embark on this journey with greater confidence.
The overall approach this year represents a conscious effort by the Romanian education system to innovate while remaining sensitive to student needs. Ranging from the structured timetable to the newly implemented grading frameworks, all components are designed to foster a better environment for both learning and assessment.
The days leading up to the Baccalaureate will surely be filled with anticipation, but with the right tools and guidance, students will be equipped to face this important chapter in their academic lives with resilience and readiness.
