The University Entrance Exams (PAU) begin today, Tuesday, June 9th, and will continue until Thursday. A total of 45,821 students have registered, marking a fifth consecutive record. Results will be published on June 23rd via the university access portal.

One of the main novelties this year is a pilot program to detect digital communication devices, such as mobile phones, smartwatches, digital pens, or earphones, aiming to prevent illegitimate assistance. All examination centers will be equipped with these detectors, and checks will be conducted randomly. The detected use of these devices will lead to expulsion from the exam and a score of 0, with potential further sanctions from the organizing committee.

In Montblanc, 55 high school students from the Institut Martí l’Humà are participating in these exams. These students from the Conca de Barberà region are taking their exams at the Institut Jaume Huguet in Valls, having traveled there by bus.

The exam structure and correction criteria remain unchanged from the previous year. The test comprises 35 subjects, divided into a mandatory phase with five exams and an optional admission phase to improve scores. The first exam in the mandatory phase is Spanish Language and Literature.

The Department of Research and Universities has recommended students wear analog watches and will ensure all classrooms have visible clocks, or that the time is projected or announced regularly to avoid suspicion.

Of the total registered students, 35,052 come from high school, 5,965 from higher vocational training cycles, and 4,804 are taking the exam under the free enrollment category. By province, 34,606 are from Barcelona, 4,431 from Tarragona, 4,068 from Girona, and 2,716 from Lleida.

This year also sees the launch of a pilot program in 19 institutes allowing students to complete university access-related procedures using IdCAT Mòbil, simplifying the identification process.