In the past week, 10 compulsory subject exams have been cancelled due to rule violations, and today’s mathematics exam may also be cancelled if any additional violations are discovered. Vinko Filipovi, director of the National Center for External Evaluation of Education, confirmed that any violations of the rules will be reported by the end of the day. During the English language exam, two applicants were found to have mobile phones in their pockets, while eight applicants had mobile phones during the Croatian language exam. Five of these students were found with mobile phones while writing essays. If one exam is cancelled, all others within that period are also cancelled, leading to a total of 30 cancelled compulsory subject exams and six cancelled optional subject exams. These candidates have been given the option to retake the fall term or wait until next year.
NCVVO has not reported any other issues with this year’s matriculation exams so far. However, last year, a student lost their high school graduation and place at a music academy for writing their full name instead of initials on an essay. The rules regarding annulment of high school graduation were changed following public outcry. The exams took place in 381 schools and six examination centers.