The Most Monitored 'Selectividad' in Years Begins in Galicia. University entrance exams have started in Galicia. This year, enforcement of exam rules has been stepped up. For the first time, frequency detectors are being widely used to combat cheating.
University entrance exams (PAU) have started in Galicia, held this year under special supervision. Across the region, 13,440 graduates gathered at exam sites, with security measures significantly reinforced: organizers are widely using frequency detectors to prevent the use of prohibited devices. Already in the morning, there was a steady stream of students arriving at the communications faculty in Santiago, many admitting to feeling nervous and tired after a sleepless night.
Before the exams began, students were identified and received instructions on the rules of conduct in the examination hall. This year, particular attention is being paid to preventing any attempts at cheating: if a student is found with a mobile phone or smartwatch, they will be immediately expelled from the exam and barred from continuing. Representatives of the CIUG (Galician University Examination Commission) note that their monitoring system has already attracted interest from other regions of the country.
The first test was 'Lingua Castelá e Literatura.' The assignments featured contemporary topics: analyzing an article about singer Rosalía and her album 'Lux', as well as reflecting on spirituality and feelings of alienation. In the literature section, students could choose between texts by Miguel de Unamuno and Antonio Machado, and also analyze excerpts from 'La Fundación' by Buero Vallejo and 'El lector de Julio Verne' by Almudena Grandes. According to many graduates, the literature and grammar tasks were manageable, though some noted the difficulty of the first text.
Next came exams in Spanish history and philosophy. The philosophy section asked students to reflect on Simone de Beauvoir, compare her with Aristotle, analyze texts by Nietzsche and Plato, and connect Kant's ideas to issues of artificial intelligence. The Spanish history section focused on the 19th century: students were required to comment on the reforms of Madoz and Mendizábal, the differences between socialism and anarchism, as well as analyze materials on the Civil War and the political system during the reign of Alfonso XII. Many graduates acknowledged that these tasks were more difficult than in previous stages.
According to the organizers, no serious incidents were recorded on the first day. If any violations are detected, the student faces immediate removal from the exam. As highlighted by CIUG head Iván Area, the Galician system has become a model for other regions thanks to the introduction of frequency detectors and a unique percentile-based assessment system, which allows to equalize the chances of applicants from different areas and sessions. He also noted that CIUG is a joint structure of the three public universities of Galicia, and its preservation is important for the entire regional education system.
The exam results will be available on June 11. Those wishing to file an appeal were reminded that in about 30% of cases, grades are raised, but in 10% they may be lowered. Overall, the exams are proceeding as normal, despite a few medical incidents among participants.
Context: In recent years, there has been increasing focus in Spain on security and transparency at mass examinations. For example, the country has recently discussed incidents of disruptions and breaches at other major events, such as the discovery of weapons in a luxury car on the AP-7 motorway near Girona— details of this incident sparked widespread public reaction and led to renewed discussions on control measures.
For reference: PAU is a key stage for admission to Spanish universities. In Galicia, the exams are held at 36 centers, and the assessment and control system is considered one of the strictest in the country. In recent years, the number of students in Spain choosing humanities and social sciences has been growing, as competition for places in popular faculties intensifies.
