Spain's University Entrance Exams Go Competency-Based

Spain's 2025 PAU Exams Begin with New Format MADRID, SPAIN – More than 300,000 Spanish high school students are taking the annual PAU university entrance exams this year, marking a significant shift in format. The exams, which began on June 3rd, 2025, now prioritize practical application over rote memorization, according to a recent video report by EFE Noticias. "This year, there's a new exam model," explains the EFE Noticias presenter in the video, "with more emphasis on practical exercises and less on memorization." The new format includes a single 90-minute exam per subject, with at least 70% of questions being open-ended or requiring brief answers. In addition, there will be penalties for spelling errors, with the severity varying by subject and region. The video also highlights the permitted use of non-programmable calculators, but borrowing calculators between students is prohibited. The final grade will combine 60% of the student's high school average (excluding religion) and 40% of the PAU score, provided a minimum score of 4 is achieved in the compulsory phase. This new approach reflects a broader shift towards competency-based assessment in Spain's education system, potentially shaping the future of higher education admissions. The maximum score is 10 points, with the possibility of adding up to 4 points from optional subjects.