Scale of correction for the selection test of the Baccalaureate 2026, actual profile: How students' answers to the exam are scored

On June 29, 2026, students across Romania took the first written examination of the Bacalaureat 2026, which was held in the subject of Romanian Language and Literature. This test marked the beginning of a series of assessments designed to evaluate the academic achievements of high school graduates before they proceed to higher education or enter the workforce. The exam was conducted nationwide, with candidates receiving identical sets of questions, and the entire process was monitored via audiovisual surveillance throughout the three-hour duration.

The structure of the exam consisted of three main sections. In the first part, students were presented with a passage from *“Sufletul nu cunoaște distanțele. Pagini de corespondență cu familia Pillat,”* a work by Pia Pillat. Based on this text, students had to answer multiple-choice questions and compose an argumentative essay of at least 150 words addressing whether preparing for exams necessitates giving up preferred activities.

In the second section, students analyzed another given text and explained one aspect of its construction, such as stylistic devices or narrative techniques. This required critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as familiarity with literary elements taught in secondary school.

For the third section, students from the scientific profile were asked to write an essay of at least 400 words discussing the characteristics of a poetic text by George Bacovia. This task tested their ability to synthesize knowledge about specific authors and works covered in the curriculum, along with their capacity to construct coherent arguments supported by textual evidence.

Throughout the day, educators and experts anticipated the release of the official subjects and grading criteria. At 15:00, the Ministry of Education published both the subjects and the evaluation rubrics on the official website, *subiecte.edu.ro*. These materials included detailed instructions on how each question would be assessed, ensuring transparency in the scoring process. Additionally, professors from the Educational Center Unirea began providing live explanations of the exam's solutions starting at 13:00, offering insights into possible approaches and responses for each requirement.

The grading system followed a standardized format, with each of the three sections worth 30 points, plus 10 points awarded for proper formatting and adherence to rules, bringing the maximum score to 100. Each criterion within the sections was assigned specific point values based on complexity and depth of response. For instance, basic items such as multiple-choice questions or short-answer tasks typically carried between 2 and 3 points per correct response. More complex exercises, particularly in the third section, could carry up to 6 points depending on the thoroughness of the solution and the clarity of the reasoning.

Candidates were reminded of strict regulations regarding the use of personal electronic devices during the exam. Access to mobile phones, smartwatches, headphones, textbooks, notes, drafts, or any other materials deemed useful for solving the exam or communicating externally was prohibited. All participants were required to present valid identification documents and follow the guidelines strictly to ensure fairness and integrity in the assessment process.

Following the completion of all written exams, results will be initially posted on July 7, with candidates having until July 9 to submit appeals if they believe there were errors in their evaluations. Final results will be announced on July 13, after all disputes have been resolved. This structured timeline ensures that students receive timely feedback while allowing for necessary corrections and adjustments in case of discrepancies.

As the Bacalaureat continues to evolve, the focus remains on maintaining rigorous standards while adapting to new educational demands. The upcoming weeks will see further analysis of student performance, discussions among educators about potential changes to future examinations, and continued support for students navigating the transition from secondary to higher education.