With the start of the 2026 Panhellenic Examinations to mark next week, candidates for the 2026 Panhellenic Examinations are “entering the home stretch” of their quest for admission to Higher Education in the coming academic year, 2026-27, claiming one of the 68.788 available places in the Greek public HEI.
More specifically, candidates of the General High School will be tested in the first subject of the Panhellenic Examination on Friday 29 May 2026, Modern Greek Language and Literature (General Education), while candidates of the National High School will be tested on Saturday 30 May 2026 in Modern Greek.
Practical tips during the Panhellenic exams
In addition to proper preparation throughout the year, it is equally important to manage the days and hours leading up to each subject. Speaking to APE-MPE, the chairman of the Board of the Federation of Teacher Educators of Greece (FEPF), Yannis Vafiadakis, codified the points on which candidates should focus their attention before and during each exam.
Initially, according to Vafiadakis, proper preparation is based on systematic revision and studying different subjects daily.
During the Panhellenic examinations, students:
– It is advisable not to over-stress on difficult topics and to avoid unnecessary discussions before the examination.
– They need to read the pronouncements carefully, as even a small detail can change the meaning of the topic.
– It is important to start with the easiest topics to make good use of their time and avoid stress.
– They should pay attention to the clarity and proper wording of their writing, as a well-written piece of writing creates a positive image.
“The most important thing of all is for them to believe in their potential, to enter the hall with composure and confidence and to remember that the Panhellenic Examinations are a transitional stage and not the final criterion for the quality and worth of their character,” Mr. Vafiadakis.
Finally, one of the tips is addressed to parents, who, he noted, “should maintain a calm and supportive atmosphere at home, without transferring their stress to their children.”
Useful information and basic guidelines
The duration of the examination is 3 hours.
– Identity card or passport.
– Bulletin of the Panhellenic Examinations.
– Blue or black pen. It is worth noting that pencil may not be used in answers unless specified in the subject instructions. Candidates are allowed to carry an eraser and a pencil sharpener.
– Geometric instruments, for those subjects where they are needed.
– A bottle of water or juice.
– A wristwatch, but not a smartwatch.
In addition, candidates are prohibited from carrying the following:
– Books, notebooks and notes.
– Corrector (blanco) of any form (liquid or film).
– Mobile telephone and other means of transmitting or receiving information and communication, computing machines.
The programme
As mentioned above, candidates of the General High School will be tested in the first subject of the Panhellenic Examination on Friday 29 May 2026, Modern Greek Language and Literature (General Education), while candidates of the National High School will be tested on Saturday 30 May 2026 in Modern Greek.
P. Science and Economics and Computer Studies) and Biology (P. Health Studies).
On Friday, June 5, candidates of the General High School will be tested in Latin (O.P. Humanities), Chemistry (O.P. Science and Health Studies) and Computer Science (O.P. Economics and Information Studies).
The examinations for the nationally examined courses will conclude on Monday, June 8, with: History (Humanities O.P.), Physics (Science and Health Studies O.P.) and Economics (Economics and Computer Studies O.P.)
.
Accordingly, the Panhellenic Examination schedule for the candidates of the EPAL is as follows: Opening on Saturday 30 May 2026 with the course of Modern Greek. The examination in Mathematics (Algebra) will follow on 2 June. This will be followed, from June 4 to June 15, by the exams in specialization courses.
.
Finally, it is worth noting that the specialty course exams will be held from June 16 to June 25, 2026. Similarly, the Health Examination and Practical Test for candidates (GEL and EPAL) for admission to the Departments of Physical Education and Sports Science (PEAS) will be conducted from June 15 to June 26, 2026.
End of high school exams
The end of the final examinations (also known as “end-of-school examinations”) for students in the third grade of high school has been set for next Monday, May 25, 2025. The closing date for issuing results is next Wednesday, May 27, 2026, which is two days before the beginning of the Panhellenic Examinations.
As far as the high school promotional examinations are concerned, the examinations for the first and second grade will be completed by June 12, 2025. June 19 has been set as the deadline for the release of results.
Wednesday is the end of classes for high schools
As far as high schools are concerned, the last bell of the year will ring next Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The Ministry of Education is scheduled to conduct the promotional and graduation exams from Tuesday, June 2 to Monday, June 15, 2026.
