Catalonia has seen a significant shake-up in the organization of university entrance exams (Selectividad, PAU). After two decades in the position, Pilar Gómez has been dismissed as coordinator. The move comes amid disagreements and confusion over grading rules, which sparked discontent among graduates and educators.
The official announcement regarding the leadership change appeared Thursday in the official bulletin of the Government of Catalonia (Diari Oficial de la Generalitat de Catalunya, DOGC). Rosa Pàmies, a lecturer in mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), has been appointed as the new coordinator.
Pilar Gómez had served as coordinator since 2005. During her tenure, she oversaw numerous exam reforms, including a shift to a competency-based format and the introduction of tests in Spanish. However, the most recent exam session was marked by confusion: in June 2025, disagreements arose over how spelling errors would affect final scores.
Confusion over grading criteria
The scandal erupted after a press conference where Pilar Gómez and the head of the university access office, Mònica Garizuain, announced that spelling mistakes would only affect final grades in subjects related to language and literature. This statement contradicted previously published guidelines on the Department of Universities’ website, which stated that mistakes would be counted in all subjects, reducing the final grade by 10%, and by 20% in language disciplines.
As a result, confusion spread among applicants and teachers. Many were unsure how their exams would be graded, sparking a wave of criticism toward the exam organizers. The Minister of Universities, Núria Montserrat, was forced to publicly clarify the situation and admit there had been a serious communication error, which led to widespread misunderstanding.
Official stance and reasons for resignation
Although the Department of Universities claims that the change of coordinator is not directly linked to this incident, many connect Pilar Gómez’s departure to the recent controversy. The agency insists that Gómez had long planned to leave her post due to fatigue and many years spent in the same position.
In an interview given a month ago, the Minister for Universities admitted that the situation with exam criteria was complicated by a lack of clear information, which caused anxiety among graduates. Nevertheless, the official statement claims that the personnel decision was made at Gómez’s own initiative.
New exam coordinator
Rosa Pàmies Vilà has been appointed as the new exam coordinator. Since 2011, she has been actively involved in organizing and conducting the PAU exams. Over the years, she has worked in various roles: as an examiner, monitor, and chair of the exam committee. Since 2019, Pàmies has been responsible for preparing the exams for the subject ‘Industrial Technology.’
Her appointment was approved in an extraordinary meeting of the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya held on November 11. According to the Department of Universities, Pàmies has extensive experience and is well acquainted with the specifics of the exam process.
Response from the education community
The coordinator change stirred considerable debate among teachers and students. Many hope the new leader will bring greater transparency and clarity to exam organization, as well as help avoid similar misunderstandings in the future. At the same time, some experts point out that the systemic issues in organizing exams require deeper changes than just a personnel swap.
In the near future, Rosa Pamies will assume her duties and begin preparations for the upcoming Selectividad exam session. Updated guidelines on assessment criteria are expected to be published in the coming months to prevent past mistakes and ensure equal conditions for all applicants.
