Anxiety and Uncertainty Mark First Day of Spain's New PAU University Entrance Exams

Spain's 270,000 Students Face Uncertainty in New PAU Exams On June 3, 2025, the first day of the highly anticipated PAU university entrance exams commenced across Spain, excluding the Canary Islands and Catalonia, which will start later. This year's exams introduced a new element: competency-based questions, leading to considerable uncertainty and anxiety among the 270,000 students participating. The change has sparked debate about the overall difficulty and potential impact on final grades. RTVE Noticias captured the atmosphere outside and inside exam halls, showing students' nervous energy and anticipation. One student, interviewed after completing the exam, commented, "I thought it was fairly manageable, although I made a few mistakes." Another student expressed surprise at the content, saying, "I expected questions on Casa Bernarda Alba and Luis de Gongora, but they were different." Their comments highlight the varied experiences and opinions on the new format. The less flexible structure of this year's exams has raised concerns among students, many of whom believe it will lower overall grades. The new competency-based questions are designed to assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills, rather than simply recall facts. The shift represents a significant change in the PAU, and the reactions of students provide valuable insights into the impact of this reform. The coming days will reveal the full results and the long-term effects of this new approach to university entrance exams in Spain.