This year’s State Matura Exam will be held on June 21, with around 20,000 high school graduates expected to take part in the test.
Officials from the Ministry of Education told Radio Kosovo that the exam format remains the same as last year, but emphasized that sanctions will be imposed on those who violate the rules. Education experts, however, argue that the exam should be more closely aligned with the PISA test model.
Erda Xhoni, Anita Qajani, and Altin Curri, all students at the “Dardania” Gymnasium in Hani i Elezit, are preparing for the exam and hopeful about their performance.
“We have opened accounts on the e-Kosova platform to apply. After the school year ends, we plan to prepare with teachers in the relevant subjects,” said Erda.
“We’ve been informed about all the rules and the application process. We’ve opened our e-Kosova accounts to ensure everything goes smoothly,” said Anita.
“I’m doing well in most subjects, but I struggle with Math. I’ve consulted with the teacher, who has helped us with potential tasks we might face in the test,” added Altin.
The number of test-takers may change, as those who failed the exam last year are also eligible to retake it.
Fatmir Elezi, acting head of the Division for Quality Assurance, Assessment, and Licensing at the Ministry of Education, told Radio Kosovo that preparations for the exam are nearly complete. He shared organizational details and warned about penalties for breaking the rules.
“Procedures are the same as last year. Students must register via e-Kosova. They will be tested in three core subjects: Native Language, English, Mathematics, and one elective subject. On exam day, they must bring only a pencil and ID. Phones are strictly prohibited. The main penalty for cheating is removal from the exam and loss of the opportunity to retake it in that session. Sanctions for test administrators are also outlined under the Matura Law,” Elezi stated.
Classes for graduating students end on May 15. The director of “Dardania” Gymnasium, Ziber Xhoni, confirmed that a dynamic plan has been put in place for post-term preparation with teachers in key subjects.
“Teachers in the respective fields have created a dynamic plan for post-May 15 additional classes to help students prepare and succeed in the Matura Exam,” he said.
Education expert Xhavit Rexhaj said the exam should better reflect the structure of the PISA assessment, criticizing current test items for not aligning with competency-based curricula.
“We need to start implementing standardized tests online, as our students struggle with the PISA format. Globally, testing is moving online. Current questions rely too much on memorization instead of testing real-life problem solving, application of knowledge, and preparation for life and further education,” he noted.
The Matura exam is conducted in a single day, containing 100 questions total—25 from each subject. The passing criteria will remain unchanged. Results will be published on June 30. Those who fail the first session will have a second opportunity on August 28.
