Following the leak of exam materials during the first day of testing, Poland’s Central Examination Commission has invalidated exams for a number of students.
Exam Invalidations and Consequences for Students
The Polish language exam, initiating this year’s testing session, has resulted in serious consequences for some test-takers after fragments of the exam were leaked online. The Central Examination Commission (CKE) has invalidated the exams of approximately a dozen students nationwide.
The incident occurred during Monday’s exam when images of exam fragments began circulating on social media before the test concluded, indicating a breach of testing procedures.
Strict Rules Regarding Mobile Phones
Regulations clearly state that bringing a mobile phone or other telecommunication device into the exam room, or using one during the exam, automatically invalidates the exam for that subject.
Severe Penalties for Mandatory Subjects
The consequences are particularly severe for mandatory subjects like Polish language. Invalidating the exam results in a failing grade, precluding the student from taking the make-up exam in the same year. Students must wait until the following year to retake the exam.
Recurring Issue of Exam Procedure Violations
Data from previous years shows this is not an isolated problem. In May 2025, a total of 244 Matura exams were invalidated, with 72 cases involving the introduction or use of a mobile phone during the exam. This year’s situation reflects a broader issue of exam procedure violations.
Exceptions for Medical Devices
A limited exception to the ban on electronic devices now exists for students who require applications to monitor their health, such as glucose monitoring systems used by individuals with diabetes.
Possessing a phone for medical purposes is permissible if its use has been previously reported and approved according to exam procedures. Any other use of the device remains prohibited.
CKE Response and Further Actions
The Director of the Central Examination Commission has announced decisive action against those who violated the rules, including analyzing whether a wider leak of exam materials occurred.
Experts emphasize that publishing exam fragments during the test can seriously undermine the credibility of the entire exam system, necessitating thorough investigation and additional security measures.