Barcelona, Catalonia’s university entrance exams began smoothly on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, despite traffic disruption in the city caused by a papal visit and a teachers’ strike. Students arrived early at the UPF Ciutadella Campus after being advised to allow extra time for road closures.
A new pilot scheme for electronic device detectors is being used during the three-day exam period. Rosa Cerarols, president of one of the UPF examination boards, said checks can take place at any point during the exams, morning or afternoon, on any of the three days. She said a supervisor-like person may enter the room and walk around the classroom.
The measure is aimed at preventing cheating and improving exam integrity. Educational authorities are testing the system as they look at ways to stop the use of unauthorised devices during the university entrance process.
The exams are being held across Catalonia, with thousands of students sitting papers in different subjects. Officials had urged candidates to plan their journeys carefully because of the disruption in Barcelona.
The results of the pilot will be watched closely by education authorities. If it proves effective, the electronic detector system could be used more widely in future exam sessions. More Catalonia news
