Nearly 355,000 students from almost 13,000 schools are sitting the exam this year, according to Poland's Central Examination Board (CKE).
A further 13,000 Ukrainian students are registered, though they are exempt from the Polish language test under a special assistance law, with over 5,000 choosing to take it voluntarily.
According to public broadcaster Polskie Radio, this year’s Polish language exam includes a new written task format - a speech - alongside traditional open-ended and multiple-choice questions.
Students have 150 minutes to complete the test, with additional time allowances for those with special needs and Ukrainian citizens.
The math and modern foreign language tests will follow on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Exam materials are made publicly available online later in the day.
Although there is no official pass mark, exam results significantly impact students’ chances of getting into their preferred high schools.
Polish Education Minister Barbara Nowacka expressed her support for teenagers taking the exam, noting on social media that they have been preparing for this milestone over the past eight years.
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Source: IAR/PR24/PAP/X/@MEN_GOVPL