The University Entrance Exam (PAU), Selectividad 2026, arrives with changes that will affect hundreds of thousands of students throughout Spain. Although the general structure of the exam remains the same, this call consolidates a model more oriented towards reasoning and practical application of knowledge, while increasing vigilance against technological cheating and reinforcing the weight of linguistic correction.
The novelties derive both from the application of the new model promoted by the Ministry of Education and the universities and from the measures adopted by different university districts to address problems that have gained prominence in recent years, from the use of artificial intelligence to hidden electronic devices.
This year's edition also brings back to the table the debate about the differences between autonomous communities and the attempts at harmonization promoted by the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE).
Detectors, mobile phones, and earpieces: the offensive against cheating
One of the aspects that is generating the most attention is the tightening of controls against academic fraud.
Several universities and autonomous communities have announced specific measures to detect electronic devices that may be used during exams. These include mobile phones, smartwatches, earpieces, hidden headphones, or wireless communication systems that are increasingly difficult to identify with the naked eye.
Academic authorities recall that the possession or use of these devices may entail serious consequences such as immediate expulsion from the exam, a grade of zero, or annulment of the test according to the regulations applicable in each university district.
Concern about these practices has increased in recent years due to the proliferation of increasingly small and difficult-to-detect devices.
Spelling mistakes are once again decisive
Another of the novelties that most concerns students and teachers is the greater weight of linguistic correction. The new criteria promoted within the framework of PAU harmonization include specific penalties for spelling, grammatical, and written expression errors.
Although the specific application may vary between communities, the general guidelines establish:
- Penalties of up to two points in Spanish Language and Literature.
- Discounts of up to 10% of the grade in subjects with written development.
- Penalties that can reach 15% in foreign languages.
Universities insist that evaluation is not limited to knowledge of content, but also to the ability to express it clearly, correctly, and coherently.
More reasoning and less memorization
The PAU continues to evolve towards a more competency-based model. This means that questions seek to evaluate the ability to apply knowledge, analyze situations, argue, or relate concepts, rather than simply checking memorization of data.
Among the characteristics that are being consolidated are:
- Less optionality than during the years after the pandemic.
- Greater presence of analysis and reasoning questions.
- A single exam model.
- Reduction in the weight of purely memoristic exercises.
Universities argue that this system better aligns with the educational objectives set by current legislation.
Differences between regions continue to generate debate
Despite the harmonization efforts promoted by CRUE, territorial differences remain a subject of discussion.
Variations persist in issues such as exam dates, specific grading criteria, question models, or the application of certain penalties.
These differences periodically fuel the debate about the advisability of implementing a completely homogeneous Selectividad exam throughout Spain.
Meanwhile, thousands of students face a call that maintains the usual pressure of cut-off grades, especially in degrees such as Medicine, double degrees, and careers with demand far exceeding available supply.