The countdown to the 2026 State Exam has officially begun. The Ministry of Education and Merit has communicated the subjects of the second written test and the characterizing disciplines of the new oral exam, confirming some expected choices and introducing structural changes that affect the setting of the exam. The information can also be consulted through the “view subjects” function on the MIM website.
Second test: confirmations for high schools, targeted choices for technicians and professionals
For high schools there are clear indications. At the classical high school the second test will be in Latin, while at the scientific high school it will once again be the turn of mathematics, the key discipline of the course. At the linguistic high school the test will focus on foreign language and culture 1, while at the human sciences high school the chosen subject is human sciences.
In technical and professional institutes, the test remains strongly linked to the field of study: business economics for Administration, finance and marketing, tourism and business disciplines for Tourism, multimedia design for Graphics and Communication. Among the professionals, general and applied psychology stand out for social and health services and the violin making laboratory for industry and craftsmanship for Made in Italy.
The new oral exam: four subjects and more attention to the student’s path
The real innovation concerns the oral interview, modified after the recent exam reform. The discussion of the document with casual interdisciplinary connections is passed, replaced by an exam focused on four disciplines, chosen annually by the Ministry.
At the classical high school the subjects will be Italian, Latin, history and mathematics. At the scientific level the interview will focus on Italian, mathematics, history and natural sciences. The combinations also change for linguistics and human sciences, with a balance between characterizing and training subjects. The declared objective is to enhance knowledge, skills, autonomy and responsibility, also giving weight to the student’s extracurricular activities and significant experiences.
Dates, commissions and new rules of the State Exam
As regards the dates of the 2026 Maturity, the first written test will take place on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 8.30 am, followed by the second test on 19 June. Oral interviews will begin immediately thereafter and continue until July. The reduction of the examination commission from seven to five members and the rejection of those who refuse to take the oral exam have been confirmed.
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