Greek EPAL candidates begin 2026 Panhellenic Exams with New Greek test

On Saturday 30 May 2026 the first Panhellenic examinations for students of the Vocational Lyceum (EPAL) commenced in Greece. The three‑hour New Greek (Νέα Ελληνικά) paper began at 08:30 and required candidates to present an identity document or passport and an examination card, bring blue or black pens, an eraser, a ruler where needed, a bottle of water and a wristwatch – no smartphones, books or notes were permitted.

The compulsory essay asked students to write a 200‑250 word article for their school newspaper about the “equipment” young people need to realise their dreams in a constantly changing world, using a reconstructed interview with New York University professor David Holander (“How basketball can save the world”). A second task required a 100‑150 word reflection on Maria Skouriakou’s poem “I Paint”.

The Ministry of Education issued detailed instructions on prohibited items and penalties, while the Central Examination Committee began experimental grading of the papers on the same day, with anonymous marking and a possible third reviewer if scores differed significantly. The EPAL schedule continues with a Mathematics (Algebra) exam on 2 June and specialty subjects from 4 June to 15 June, followed by practical exams for physical‑education programmes from 15 June to 26 June.

Approximately 68 788 university places are at stake for EPAL candidates, who together with General Lyceum students total around 80 000 examinees in this national assessment.