The Italian high school final examination, known as the *esame di maturità*, has officially begun on June 18, 2026, marking the start of a significant academic milestone for over half a million students nationwide. The first written test, focused on Italian literature and language, commenced at 8:30 AM, setting the stage for a series of rigorous assessments that will span several days. This year’s exam involves 527,607 candidates—slightly more than the previous year's total of 524,415, reflecting a modest increase of 0.6 percent overall. Of these, 513,479 are internal candidates who have completed their studies within the Italian education system, while 14,128 are external candidates who have pursued their education abroad or through alternative pathways.
The distribution of candidates among different educational tracks shows that 273,854 students come from lyceums, which emphasize classical and scientific disciplines. Another 167,136 students attend technical institutes, focusing on vocational training and applied sciences, while 86,617 students are enrolled in professional schools, which prepare them for direct entry into the workforce. These numbers highlight the diversity of educational paths available in Italy and underscore the broad reach of the maturità exam.
The structure of this year’s exam reflects a shift in focus compared to previous years. While the written tests remain central components, the oral examination now plays a more prominent role. Unlike past years, when students could opt out of the oral portion if they had already achieved sufficient scores in the written exams, this year’s reform mandates participation in the oral component. Failure to engage actively during the oral exam can result in immediate failure, emphasizing the importance of both written and verbal communication skills.
The oral examination, scheduled to begin on June 23, will involve structured discussions centered around four fixed subjects, each tailored to the candidate’s educational track. These subjects were announced by the Ministry of Education in late January, allowing students ample time to prepare. The oral session also includes a personal reflection on the student’s academic journey, supported by elements from their *curriculum vitae*, which outlines their experiences in school, extracurricular activities, and work-related training programs. Additionally, the discussion will cover topics related to civic education, including constitutional rights, citizenship, and environmental sustainability.
Preparation for the oral examination has become a critical aspect of the study process. Students are advised to practice delivering a self-introduction and to thoroughly review the four designated subjects. They are encouraged to use tools such as concept maps and artificial intelligence chatbots to simulate potential questions and refine their responses. Furthermore, students are urged to avoid silence during the oral exam, as prolonged periods of quiet can lead to lower scores or even disqualification.
The new maturità exam aims to evaluate not just academic knowledge but also personal growth, autonomy, and responsibility. It places greater emphasis on the student’s involvement in school-to-work training programs, digital literacy, and civic engagement. This holistic approach is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the student’s readiness for higher education or employment. The inclusion of the *curriculum vitae* in the oral examination underscores the value placed on practical experience and personal development alongside formal academic achievements.
As the maturità continues through the coming weeks, students will face a combination of challenges and opportunities. The increased weight given to the oral component and the integration of personal experiences into the evaluation process reflect broader educational goals aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals prepared for future endeavors. With over 13,989 examination committees established, each composed of external and internal members, the logistics of administering the exam efficiently are being carefully managed. As the results emerge, they will offer insights into the effectiveness of the current reforms and the adaptability of students to evolving educational standards.
6 reports
ANSAIndependentCenterFactual 98Objective 9517 days agoThe Italian high school final exam (maturità) will begin on June 18, 2026, with the first test in Italian. The number of candidates has increased by 0.6% compared to the previous year, reaching 527,747. Internal candidates have risen by 0.5%, while external candidates have increased by 7.2%. The distribution across educational tracks includes 273,959 students from lyceums, 167,104 from technical schools, and 86,684 from vocational schools. Examination commissions, consisting of five members including two external and three internal evaluators, have been established.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual data on the increase in participants in the national high school exam without any ideological framing or biased language. It reports numbers and percentages objectively, citing the Ministry of Education and Merit as the source. There is no indication of favoring any side
Why these scores (Factual 98 · Objective 95): This article confirms the number of candidates (527,747) and the start date of the exam (June 18). It also mentions the composition of the examination commissions. The facts match those reported by other sources and are presented neutrally.
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenterFactual 0Objective 014 days agoThe article discusses the 2026 Italian high school exam (Maturità), focusing on the second written test which involves translating a passage from Quintilian. The author critiques the chosen passage as being relatively straightforward and lacking the complexity that could challenge students. While acknowledging the elegance of Quintilian's style, the article suggests that a more balanced selection would have better highlighted both content and stylistic refinement. It also notes that the exam seems to prioritize exegetical analysis over translation skills, potentially undermining the interpreti
Bias read (Center): The article provides an analytical critique of the exam structure without taking a clear ideological stance. It focuses on pedagogical considerations rather than political or social issues.
Why these scores (Factual 0 · Objective 0): No relevant content related to the event being rated.
ANSAIndependentCenter11 days ago Today and tomorrow are the oral exams of the MaturaThe oral exams for Italy's high school graduation (Maturità) will begin on June 23rd for over 527,000 students. The reforms introduced by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara have changed the structure of the oral exam. Previously, students could avoid the oral if they had already met the passing score, but now silence during the exam results in automatic failure. The new format starts with a personal reflection on the student’s academic journey, followed by questions on four fixed subjects determined by the ministry. Students will then discuss their experiences in school-work training programs and engage in a dialogue on topics related to civic education, citizenship rights, and environmental sustainability. Each exam lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of educational reforms without overtly favoring any political perspective. It explains changes to the Maturità exam structure and does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content remains neutral in tone and focuses on the re
ANSAIndependentCenter12 days ago Ten golden rules for the oral examination of the matriculation examinationThe article outlines ten guidelines provided by Skuola.net for students preparing for the oral exam of the Italian high school graduation exam (Maturità). The new rules include a more structured interview format with four fixed subjects chosen by the Ministry of Education, eliminating surprise questions. Students are advised to prepare a self-introduction, thoroughly review the selected subjects based on a May 15 document outlining classroom topics, avoid silence during the exam, highlight their work experience through the 'Formazione Scuola-Lavoro' report, and use multimedia presentations for civic education experiences. Additional tips include using concept maps and AI tools like chatbots to simulate exams.
Bias read (Center): The article provides neutral advice on educational procedures and does not take a stance on any political issue. It focuses solely on academic preparation and administrative changes related to the Maturità exam.
ANSAIndependentCenter19 days ago The high school final exams will start on June 18, all the new updatesThe Italian high school graduation exam (Maturità) begins on June 18 with the first written test in Italian. This year, 527,607 students are participating, including both internal and external candidates. The new exam aims to assess students' knowledge, skills, and personal development, emphasizing their autonomy, responsibility, and involvement in school-work training activities. The student's curriculum plays a key role in the oral interview, and the exam also serves an orientation function for future studies or employment.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the structure and goals of the Maturità exam without taking a political stance. It focuses on educational reforms and does not present any biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of perspectives.
Il Sole 24 OreParty-aligned🔒Center19 days agoThe article reports on the upcoming Italian high school graduation exam (Maturità 2026), noting that over 527,000 students will participate. It outlines the schedule, including the first written exam on June 18 and the second on June 19. New elements include an obligatory oral exam, emphasis on student curricula, and increased focus on school-work integration, civic education, and digital skills.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the structure and logistics of the Maturità exam without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on procedural details and does not frame the content with any ideological slant.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
Italy
