Matriculation (final) exams

A little about the exams:

Matriculation exams consist of two parts: one part is taken at the end of 11th grade, and the other at the end of 12th grade.
To get a high school diploma, you must pass two matriculation exams. One of them is compulsory – Lithuanian Language and Literature.
Do not forget to bring a black pen (or, better, a few!) and a valid ID (passport or ID card) to the exam.

For most subjects, the structure of the state matriculation exam (VBE) is the same: Part I counts for 40% of the final result; Part II counts for 60% of the final result.

For the Lithuanian Language and Literature VBE, the structure is different: Part I counts for 30% of the final result; Part II counts for 70% of the final result.

The Lithuanian Language and Literature VBE will consist of two parts; the previously planned second interim assessment has been cancelled.

Pupils in 11th and 12th grade can decide for themselves which subjects they want to take as matriculation exams.

It is not possible to retake the first parts of the state matriculation exams (VBE).

Information prepared by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania.

Frequently asked questions:

Why is the first part of the final exams held in the 11th grade?

The decision to divide the state matriculation exams (VBE) into two parts was made to spread out the heavy workload in the final year, to build up your results in stages, to help you study more consistently, and to let you take exams gradually instead of having everything in one exam session month.

Which subjects’ exams will you be able to choose to take?

You will be able to take exams in the subjects you chose in the upper secondary education programme and for which state matriculation exams are organised.

Is there a limit on the number of exams you can take?

No. This school year, you can choose to take as many exams as you wish.

By when do you need to decide which first parts of the exams you want to take in 11th grade?

You must decide and select the subjects whose first parts you want to take by 15 February.

If you later change your mind and decide you do not want to take exams in certain subjects, what should you do?

No later than 25 February of the current school year, you must confirm in the open electronic system that your selection of state exam parts is correct or, if you see any mistakes, inform the school principal or their authorised representative in writing.

When will you take the first parts of your chosen exams?

The main session of the state final exams will take place from 1 to 19 June, during which 11th-grade (third-year high school) students will take the first parts of their exams.

Where will you take the first parts of your chosen exams?

The first parts of the state matriculation exams are held in exam centres.
If 15 or more pupils at a school choose the first part of a given exam there, that school can become an exam centre for that subject.
The exam is supervised by invigilators appointed by the municipality; teachers who teach the pupils cannot invigilate.

The first part of the Lithuanian Language and Literature VBE (speaking) is held in the school where the pupils study, on the dates given in the VBE timetable, at a time set by the school principal.

How will Part I of the state matriculation exams be organised?

Part I of the state matriculation exams is conducted electronically.
Pupils complete the tasks in an electronic test‑taking system, and the tasks are marked automatically, so candidates see their provisional results as soon as they finish Part I.

Duration of Part I:

Most subjects: 90 minutes
Mathematics: 120 minutes
Lithuanian Language and Literature: Part I is the speaking task, lasting up to 35 minutes – 25 minutes for preparation and up to 10 minutes for speaking.

Since the first part of the VBE takes place before the end of the school year, will 11th‑graders have to go to classes on the day of the exam?

No. Pupils will not have to both sit the first part of the VBE and attend regular classes on the same day. They are also allowed to skip classes on the day before they take the first part of the VBE. Although the school year is not yet over, the last two weeks are devoted to review and practice.

Will it be possible to retake the first part of the exam? When?

Pupils in the 11th grade (third year of gymnasium) who are not satisfied with their result on the first part of the exam will be able to retake it in the repeat session of the state matriculation exams in the same year. They must decide within 3 working days after the exam and submit a request to the school principal.

The first part of the Lithuanian Language and Literature VBE cannot be retaken. Pupils for whom this part was postponed for valid reasons must take it in the 12th grade (fourth year), together with 11th‑grade pupils, during the winter break in February.

If I did not take the first part of the Lithuanian Language and Literature exam in 11th grade for a valid reason, will I be able to take it?

You must submit a request to the school principal and, if they agree, you can take the first (speaking) part of this exam during the main session in March–April of that year.

If you receive a score of zero on the first part of the exam, will you still be able to take the second part?

Yes. You will still be allowed to take the second part of the exam, but you must have taken the first part; you cannot skip Part I and take only Part II.

Will it be possible to file an appeal regarding the first part of the exam?

Appeals about the first part are not submitted separately. Appeals are submitted after the full state matriculation exam, and during the appeal process both parts of the exam are reviewed and re‑evaluated together.

Will the results of the first part of the state matriculation exam be included in the diploma?

No. Only the final result of the state matriculation exam is recorded in the school‑leaving certificate. Part I contributes to that final result, but it is not shown separately in the diploma.

How will the first part of the exam be adapted for pupils with special needs?

A pupil with special educational needs due to pervasive developmental disorders or an anxiety spectrum disorder may take both the first and second parts of the state matriculation exam in their own school, in a room that is familiar and adapted to their needs, where teaching and support are normally provided according to their individual education plan. This can include reduced visual and auditory stimuli, permission to use noise‑cancelling headphones or earplugs, and other measures in line with the Pedagogical‑Psychological Service (PPT) assessment.

The exam supervisor in such a room will be an educational support specialist. If a pupil chooses not to take the exam in a separate room, they may still use noise‑cancelling headphones or earplugs in the regular exam room.

Can a pupil in the 11th grade (3rd year of gymnasium) change a subject or course and then take the first part of the exam in that subject?

A pupil following the upper secondary education programme may change the level of a subject and the subject they have chosen, in line with the procedures set by the school. After changing, they may take the first part of the exam in the new subject or level, if they register within the deadlines.

Information prepared by the National Agency for Education.