The Russian supervisory authority for education, Rosobrnadzor, has laid out the schedule for the Unified State Examination in 2024. The main examination window is slated to run from May 23 to July 1, with earlier and later contingencies built into the calendar to accommodate regional needs and student preparedness. This timetable reflects ongoing efforts to balance exam logistics with the academic calendar across the country.
In addition to the main period, a longer preparatory phase is planned from March 22 to April 22, allowing schools and students to engage with the testing format, review content, and build familiarity with the testing environment. The main period, running May 23 to July 1, is designed to cover the bulk of exams, while an additional period from September 4 to September 23 will provide another opportunity for students who need or prefer to take the tests outside the primary window. This structure aims to ensure accessibility while maintaining rigorous assessment standards.
To manage the testing schedule efficiently, reserve days have been designated within the main period, spanning June 20 to July 1. These reserve days serve as a buffer to address any unforeseen disruptions, such as illness, technical issues, or localized interruptions, ensuring that all examinees have a fair chance to complete their assessments without penalty.
For ninth grade graduates, the schedule for the Main State Examination (OSE) has also been confirmed. The first exam is scheduled from April 23 to May 18, followed by the main exam period from May 21 to July 2. An additional window is set for September 3 to 24, providing another option for students who require more time to prepare or who encounter conflicts during the primary sequence. This phased approach aligns with national education goals and supports a smooth transition for students stepping up to higher grade levels or preparing for higher education entrance requirements.
Earlier communications indicated that calculators would not be permitted during the mathematics portion of the main state examination (OGE) in 2024. This decision underscores the emphasis on foundational skills, mental math fluency, and the ability to perform without electronic aids during essential problem-solving tasks. Students are advised to prepare accordingly, focusing on accuracy and speed with mental arithmetic and calculator-free strategies that are often tested under exam conditions.
Looking ahead, Rosobrnadzor signaled that no changes to the Unified State Examination should be anticipated in the coming years. The aim is to provide teachers, students, and administrators with a stable framework, allowing for consistent preparation methods, resource planning, and nationwide coordination. While districts may adjust local practices for implementation, the overarching blueprint seeks continuity to support reliable outcomes and transparent evaluation across the country.
In a broader sense, the 2024 exam timetable reflects ongoing attention to student readiness, the integrity of the assessment process, and the need to accommodate diverse learning environments. Schools across the federation can align their curricula, practice tests, and study schedules with the prescribed windows, while families can plan study timelines and graduation milestones with greater confidence. As the year unfolds, educators and policymakers remain focused on maintaining equitable access to examinations, minimizing disruptions, and sustaining trust in the national assessment system. (Rosobrnadzor)