Skopje, 31 May 2025 (MIA) - A total of 15,004 high school graduates are taking on Saturday their Native Language and Literature examination, the first external exam as part of the state high school graduation exam.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska, who visited UKIM's Faculty of Agriculture where some of the graduates are taking the examination, said she expects the examination process to go smoothlythis year. She wished the students good luck, success and a successful career.

"I wish the students all the best for the exams and good luck. I advise the observers to do their job responsibly, and I'd like to point out that the legal regulations have been strengthened, and I do not expect anyone to take risks and face any sanctions," said Janevska.

She told students that this was an integral part of their education, adding that there is no need for any stress.

She noted that sanctions apply to examination observers who overlook any attempts by students to violate the rules by cheating, and in such a case, she added, the State Examination Centre will have to take measures. In terms of sanctioning students, she said, students who violate rules will have their exam invalidated until the next high school graduation exam. 

Director of the State Examination Centre Daniela Jovchevska Mihajlovska also wished success to all high school graduates, expressing expectation that this year's high school graduation exam results will be more objective than last year's. The results should be announced no later than one month after the second external exam, i.e. around July 10.

"I wish a successful day to those who are taking the first external exam today – in their native language. The State Examination Centre has made all the necessary preparations. Throughout the year, we have been working hard so that today we can be ready to take the first external exam. The exam materials are distributed in the schools. I wish a successful day to all the graduates. All the examination observers should take their task today with maximum responsibility because their role is crucial in this process," said Jovchevska Mihajlovska. 

According to the State Examination Centre, 9,969 high school graduates in the 2024/2025 school year applied to take the Macedonian language exam; 4,339 applied for the Albanian language exam, 292 applied for the Turkish language exam, and 10 applied for the Serbian language exam.

The second exam as part of the state high school graduation exam, which is optional for students, will be taken on June 11.

Photo: MIA