The average score in Catalonia's university entrance math exam has plunged to a ten-year low. Students, teachers, and families blame the unusually long and complex test. Authorities now face calls for urgent review.
This year's university entrance exams in Catalonia have triggered a wave of concern after the average score in Mathematics fell sharply to 4.18, nearly two points lower than last year and the lowest in a decade. The sudden drop, which did not occur in Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences, has led to widespread criticism from students, families, and educators, who argue that the scientific math test was excessively long and demanding for the allotted 90 minutes.
Officials from the Conselleria de Investigación y Universidades maintain that the exam's methodology remained unchanged from previous years. However, Raúl Fernández, a professor at the University of Girona and president of the Federación de Entidades de Profesores de Matemáticas de Cataluña (FEEMCAT), points to the length and complexity of the questions as the main issue. According to Fernández, many students were unable to finish the test, with some leaving the exam room in tears, not due to lack of knowledge but because of the overwhelming difficulty and time pressure.
The controversy reached the Catalan Parliament last week, where parties including Junts, PP, and Comuns demanded explanations from the regional government. They questioned whether the exam's design unfairly disadvantaged students and called for a review of grading criteria to ensure that the complexity of the test does not hinder university access. The issue has also prompted requests for the government to reassess the exam's structure and guarantee equal opportunities for all candidates.
While the average score in Mathematics Applied to Social Sciences saw only a slight decrease—from 5.64 to 5.06—the scientific math exam's results have raised questions about consistency in exam design. Fernández notes that the process involves multiple coordinators and teachers from both high schools and universities, but the final version is approved by a single specialist, which may contribute to variations in difficulty. He also remarked that last year's exam was considered much easier, leaving students unprepared for this year's more demanding format.
During the official presentation of results, Consellera Núria Montserrat acknowledged the disappointing math scores and admitted they were not what the administration had anticipated. Nevertheless, she defended the academic rigor of the exams and praised the work of the specialist team responsible for their preparation and review. The results are now subject to a review process, with final scores to be published on July 6. Students can request exam reviews from Thursday until Monday at 14:00, while university pre-enrollment closes this Friday.
Despite the uproar over the math exam, 95.68% of students passed the overall university entrance phase, with a global average score of 6.403—almost identical to last year. This year's PAU also saw a record number of participants. The debate over exam fairness and student preparedness echoes broader concerns about educational standards and access, themes that have surfaced in other recent news, such as the public disputes highlighted in coverage of high-profile conflicts in Catalonia.
For context, the PAU (Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad) is a critical gateway for students seeking higher education in Spain. Each autonomous community sets its own exam content and standards, which can lead to regional disparities. The current controversy in Catalonia underscores ongoing debates about balancing academic rigor with fairness and equal opportunity in the Spanish education system.
