Over 130,000 Romanian students sit Bacalaureat language exam as heatwave precautions kick in
The first written exam of Romania's 2026 Bacalaureat session starts today, with candidates facing strict anti-cheating rules and measures to cope with high temperatures.
Exam day
More than 130,000 candidates are expected to take the Romanian language and literature exam on Monday, 29 June, the opening written test of the 2026 Bacalaureat session. Around 116,000 are from the current graduating class and roughly 15,000 are from previous years, according to the Ministry of Education. The exam is held in 443 centres nationwide, with access between 7:30 and 8:30 on presentation of a valid ID.
Schedule and rules
The written tests run from 29 June to 3 July. After today's language exam, the mandatory profile test follows on 30 June, the elective on 2 July, and the mother-tongue exam for minority-language students on 3 July. Each paper starts at 9:00 after subjects are distributed, and candidates have three hours to complete it. They may leave after 90 minutes. All rooms are audio-video monitored. Banned items include phones, smartwatches, bags, notes, and any electronic devices; they must be stored in designated areas. Refusal to store them means exclusion from the exam, and anyone caught with prohibited materials is eliminated and barred from the next two sessions.
- Romanian language and literature exam
- Mandatory profile exam
- Elective exam
- Mother-tongue exam (minority students)
- Initial results and appeals (12:00–18:00)
- Final results
Heatwave measures
With high temperatures forecast, the Ministry of Education has instructed school inspectorates to ensure permanent access to drinking water in exam centres. Where possible, rooms with air conditioning should be used; otherwise, fans, portable AC units, or other available means should reduce thermal discomfort. Centres are also advised to organise exam and evaluation spaces in rooms less exposed to the sun.
Exam structure
The Romanian language paper retains the format of recent years, with three compulsory sections. The first tests comprehension and interpretation of an unseen text, including an argumentative essay. The second examines literary analysis skills, and the third (not detailed in the sources) covers additional competencies. Ten points are awarded ex officio. Answers must be written in blue ink or paste, with black pencil allowed only for drawings and diagrams.
