Catalonia Introduces Electronic Device Checks at PAU Exams. For the first time, Catalonia’s PAU exams will include random checks for prohibited gadgets. Authorities are tightening security as transportation is complicated by the Pope’s visit. The new measures will affect tens of thousands of graduating students.
From June 9 to 11, Catalonia will hold the PAU exams—the main entrance tests for university admission. This year, for the first time, authorities are introducing random checks for electronic devices: mobile phones, smartwatches, and digital pens. The new measure aims to combat cheating and ensure equal conditions for all participants. Radio frequency detectors will be used selectively, and warning posters will appear in exam halls. If a student is caught with a prohibited device, they will be immediately removed from the exam and receive a zero; in some cases, all their results may be annulled.
The exams coincide with the Pope's visit to Barcelona, which will lead to major transport restrictions and changes to usual routes. Despite this, the Catalan Department of Universities assures there are no conflicts between the events, but advises students to arrive early. A similar issue with transport disruptions already occurred in Madrid during the book fair, when a large event coincided with the Pope's visit and raised concerns about transport availability—more details on this can be found in the article about the impact of the Pope’s visit on city events.
This year also marks the launch of a pilot project to digitize admissions procedures: 19 educational institutions are already using the IdCAT Mòbil system for online identification without the need to constantly enter passwords. Authorities plan to gradually roll out this method to all applicants in the coming years.
The structure of the PAU exams and the assessment criteria remain unchanged. Students take five mandatory exams and can choose additional ones to increase their score. For spelling and grammar mistakes in language subjects, the grade can be lowered by up to two points, and for subjects with a written component, there is a penalty of up to 10% of the final grade.
In 2026, 45,821 people registered for the exams—this is a new record for Catalonia. Most are high school graduates, but there are also those applying after vocational courses and those retaking the exams to improve their scores. In Barcelona, 34,606 people will take the exams, in Girona—4,068, in Lleida—2,716, and in Tarragona—4,431. A total of 223 testing centers in more than 30 municipalities are involved. About 7% of participants requested special accommodations, and students with special educational needs will receive extra time.
Starting in 2027, the additional exam session will be moved from September to early July to synchronize with other regions of Spain. The PAU results will be available on June 23 on the university admissions portal.
For reference: PAU (Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad) is the main entrance exam for Spanish universities. In recent years, the number of participants has remained steadily high despite demographic fluctuations. The introduction of new technologies and tighter controls reflects the nationwide trend toward digitalization and combating exam violations.
