site.btaBulgarian Education Reform Targets Rote Learning, Focuses on Skills, Practical Knowledge

The main issue in Bulgaria’s education system remains the dominance of rote learning, Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev said at a news conference outlining proposed reforms for national exams, school curricula, and the 2025/2026 academic calendar.

Starting 2026, national assessment exams for 7th and 10th grades will include basic science-based tasks requiring practical application of mathematical skills, known as "integrated tasks". These are not designed to make exams harder, but more relevant to real-life situations, Valchev explained.

To support students, sample questions will be released at the start of the school year. The changes aim to address poor international performance, especially in math, physics, and chemistry. Similar reforms are being considered for Bulgarian language and literature, and social science exams.

Valchev also proposed adjustments to high school curricula, citing an overload of subjects that leave little room for skill development. A key proposal is to increase Bulgarian language and literature classes by 12% and math by 25%, without expanding content. This would allow for more discussions, essay writing, and practice.

He clarified that no final regulatory changes are being submitted yet, only a framework for public discussion. Consultations with teachers and education experts are ongoing.

The 2025/2026 academic year will begin as usual, but its calendar aims for a better balance between study time and breaks. Four non-school days are proposed around both November 1 and March 3, and the Easter and spring holidays will merge from April 4–13. National assessment exams for 7th and 10th grade will be held on the same day.

Valchev confirmed the number of school days will not increase. The focus is on improving the quality of learning, not just adding more instructional time.