The 2025 Pancyprian examinations began today, marking an important milestone for 5,119 candidates aiming for entry into public universities in Cyprus and Greece. The first subject examined was Modern Greek, with English scheduled for 10 June and the exams concluding on 26 June with Core Mathematics.
Breakdown of candidates
According to the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the total number of candidates includes:
- 4,727 final-year students,
- 392 previous graduates,
- 352 applying to Military Academies, and
- 614 candidates requesting special arrangements (e.g. additional time or other support).
Air-conditioned classrooms in full operation
The exams kicked off under improved infrastructure conditions, as for the first time all exam rooms across Cyprus are air-conditioned.
This was confirmed by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, earlier in the week, who stated:
“We have achieved this goal—5,119 candidates will finally sit exams in conditions that reflect a modern European state.”
On the day of the exams, Giorgos Pantelis, Director General of the Ministry of Education, paid a visit to Archbishop Makarios III Lyceum in Dasoupoli, accompanied by:
- Ilias Markatzis, Director of Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training,
- Terpsa Constantinidou, Director of Higher Education,
- Nikolas Yiasoumis, Director of Secondary General Education, and
- Dimitris Chandroitis, Head of the Examinations Service.
“All exam rooms are now air-conditioned, and from what we’ve seen so far, they’re functioning effectively,” Mr Pantelis noted during the visit.
Subjects: Most and least popular
The most attended subjects in this year’s examinations are:
- Modern Greek – 5,119 candidates
- Mathematics (Specialisation) – 2,919
- Physics – 2,282
- English – 2,060
- Core Mathematics – 1,944
- Biology – 1,488
- Economics – 1,306
Meanwhile, subjects with fewer candidates include:
- English (4-hour course, Technical Schools) – 293
- Latin – 249
- Ancient Greek – 238
- Special Practical Test (Eidiki Exetasi) – 204
- Russian – 189
- Freehand & Perspective Drawing – 183
- Digital Electronics II (Technical Schools, Theoretical Stream) – 140
- Architectural & Technical Drawing – 135
Key messages to candidates
Mr Pantelis also used the occasion to send a message of encouragement to all examinees:
“This exam should not be seen as the only goal in life. The road ahead is wide open, and it’s important that students pursue their ambitions with ethics and resilience.”
When asked about the Medical School of the University of Cyprus, a top-choice faculty for many, he confirmed that approximately 70 places would be available this year.
Regarding the difficulty of this year’s exam papers, he reassured candidates and families:
“The level of difficulty is consistent with previous years. The papers are neither harder nor easier, and we’ve taken measures to ensure fairness and avoid any undue pressure.”
Final exam date
The final exam on the calendar is Core Mathematics, which will be held on 26 June 2024.
Also read: Debate over English-language programmes at public universities
