Pancyprian exams get underway with modern Greek paper (updated)

The Pancyprian exams got underway on Friday morning with 5,200 students sitting the modern Greek paper, with upper secondary schools across the island hosting the examinations.

Modern Greek is the only compulsory course for prospective candidates at state universities in Cyprus and Greece, with Friday set to be the busiest day during the exam period across the 56 test centres.

Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou wished all the students good luck, saying: “It’s time for your hard work to be rewarded.”

Head of the education ministry’s exam service Demetris Chandriotis told local media that all the necessary preparations have been made; including each district being equipped to facilitate students who have tested positive for Covid.

The exam halls for students with Covid have Pleixglass installed at the desks, while all those present must wear masks, among other measures also in place. Healthcare professionals are also present, Chandriotis said.

The traditional exam rooms have no face mask requirements, although desks remain socially distanced while cleaning protocols are also in place.

Chandriotis also wished all the students good luck in their exams, reminding them to arrive half an hour early at the centres, given that they must enter 15 minutes before the tests start.

The exams will run until June 30 with the results expected by mid July, Chandriotis said.