Greece's National Exams Begin Amidst Student Support and Advice

Greece's national exams for General Lyceums commence Friday, May 29, 2026, starting with the Neogreek Language and Literature exam. This year, over 68,788 students are vying for a limited number of places in higher education institutions for the 2026-27 academic year.

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The Panhellenic exams are one of those moments when young people feel they hold their entire future in their hands. I want to remind the children, however, that no exam can measure their worth, strength, talent, or dreams.

As students prepare to face the examinations, psychologists are offering guidance to help manage the pressure. Key advice includes taking short breaks, ensuring adequate sleep to aid memory, avoiding dwelling on past exams, focusing on the immediate task, and refraining from comparing oneself to peers. "These days, do not get into the process of comparing yourself to anyone. Look only at your own journey and recognize how far you have already come," advised psychologist Stella Argyriou.

Argyriou stressed that exams, while significant, do not solely determine a student's value, talent, or dreams. "No exam can measure your worth, strength, talent, or dreams," she stated. She encouraged students to approach the exam halls with confidence, showcasing their hard-earned knowledge rather than trying to prove who they are. "Believe in yourself, because you have more strength than you think. The future does not wait for the flawless, it opens the door to those who dare to move forward."

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These days, do not get into the process of comparing yourself to anyone. Look only at your own journey and recognize how far you have already come.

A dedicated support hotline, 1550, has been established to provide psychological assistance to students and their families throughout the examination period. Staffed by psychologists from the Interdisciplinary Assessment, Counseling, and Support Centers (Kedasy) and the Ministry of Health, the free service will operate until June 30, 2026. Exams begin at 8:30 AM, with candidates required to arrive by 8:00 AM. Each exam lasts three hours. Students must bring their identity card or passport, their exam admission slip, and a blue or black pen. The use of mobile phones and other electronic devices is prohibited.

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Behind every page read, behind every late night, there is persistence, effort, and strength. Life is not determined by one day and one written test. Often, the most beautiful journeys begin on paths we hadn't even planned. Enter the hall with your head held high. Don't go to prove who you are. Go to show what you have conquered with love and effort. Believe in yourself, because you have more strength than you think. The future does not wait for the flawless, it opens the door to those who dare to move forward.