National standardized testing for secondary school admission began in Bulgaria today. Seventh-grade students across the country are taking the Bulgarian Language and Literature exam, the first of several tests determining high school placement. The exam commenced at 9:00 AM local time and provides students with 164 minutes to complete 26 questions, including 18 multiple-choice questions. This initial assessment is a crucial component of the national external evaluation process. Results will be used to rank students and allocate places in various high schools. The exams continue with further assessments in mathematics and other subjects in the coming days. These tests are highly competitive, as placement in preferred high schools is often determined by exam scores.