Panhellenic Exams 2026 Begin: Thousands of Greek Students Sit for Modern Greek Language and Literature

The nationwide university entrance exams, known as the Panhellenic Examinations, commenced on Friday, May 29, 2026, for thousands of candidates from General Lyceums (GEL). The first subject on the schedule is Modern Greek Language and Literature, a General Education course taken by all candidates regardless of their chosen Orientation Group. The exam is scheduled to begin at 08:30 a.m., with candidates required to arrive at examination halls by 08:00 a.m. The duration of the test is three hours.

The Examination Process

Candidates are required to bring specific items to the examination center: a police ID card or passport, their Panhellenic Examinations candidate card, a blue or black pen, an eraser and sharpener, geometric instruments where required, a small bottle of water or juice, and a simple wristwatch. Smartwatches are explicitly prohibited. The use of pencils for answers is not allowed unless specifically instructed by the exam questions. Strictly forbidden items inside the examination hall include mobile phones, smart devices, books, notebooks, notes, calculators, and correction fluid or tape. Even possessing a switched-off mobile phone is grounds for nullifying the exam paper. Candidates who bring a phone must surrender it to the Lyceum Committee president for safekeeping.

Answer Booklet Rules

The Ministry of Education has issued specific guidance on the use of the answer booklet. No candidate will be given a second booklet, as the available pages are considered sufficient for the answers. The last pages can be used as a draft, provided they are clearly marked "DRAFT." These pages will not be graded. Candidates must not crumple the booklet, fold the covers, or make any marks that could be interpreted as identifying features.

Upcoming Exam Schedule

The examination period will continue on Saturday, May 30, when candidates from Vocational Lyceums (EPAL) will begin their exams with the Modern Greek course. For GEL candidates, the next exams are scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, with Ancient Greek (Humanities Orientation Group), Mathematics (Sciences and Economics & Informatics Orientation Groups), and Biology (Health Sciences Orientation Group). On Friday, June 5, candidates will sit for Latin (Humanities), Chemistry (Sciences and Health Sciences), and Informatics (Economics & Informatics). The main exam period for GEL candidates will conclude on Monday, June 8, with History (Humanities), Physics (Sciences and Health Sciences), and Economics (Economics & Informatics).

EPAL and Special Exams

The EPAL exam schedule extends further into June. After Modern Greek on May 30, candidates will take Mathematics (Algebra) on June 2. Specialty subject exams will then run from June 4 through June 15, covering subjects such as Anatomy-Physiology II, Principles of Economic Theory, Computer Networks, Electrical Engineering 2, Architectural Design, Computer Programming, and Naval Law, among others. Special course exams for both GEL and EPAL candidates are scheduled from June 16 to June 25. Health examinations and practical tests for candidates applying to Physical Education and Sport Science departments (TEFAA) will take place from June 15 to June 26.

Psychological Support and Advice

Ahead of the exams, the Ministry of Education has activated a free telephone helpline for psychological support for candidates and their parents. Psychologist Stella Argyriou offered advice to candidates, emphasizing the importance of taking small breaks, getting proper sleep, avoiding comparisons with peers, and treating each exam separately. "The Panhellenic Exams are one of those moments when young people feel they hold their entire future in their hands. But I want to remind the children that no exam can measure their worth, strength, talent, or dreams," she stated. She urged candidates to enter the examination hall with their heads held high, not to prove who they are, but to show what they have achieved.

Competition for University Places

This year, candidates are competing for 68,788 places in Greek public higher education institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year. The announcement of grades is expected at the end of June, after which candidates will complete their Computerized Application Forms. The announcement of the base entry scores for university departments is scheduled for the end of July.