According to data from Cermat, nearly 156,000 applicants are vying for places in secondary schools and multi-year gymnasiums in Czechia this year, with the possibility that numbers may slightly increase as directors continue to enter paper applications into the system. The most significant discrepancy between demand and available spaces is traditionally seen in multi-year gymnasiums, but four-year gymnasiums also have a shortfall. This year, over 25,000 children are applying for four-year programs, while 19,000 are targeting eight-year programs and nearly 7,000 are interested in six-year programs.

The capacity for four-year gymnasiums, including private and religious institutions, is only 17,496 this year, which is a decrease of almost fifty spots compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the situation is even more precarious for multi-year gymnasiums, with a total of 9,164 spots available for eight-year programs, which is 200 fewer than last year, and 2,427 for six-year programs, reflecting a drop of 71 spots.

This mismatch between the increasing number of applicants and the decreasing number of available places puts substantial pressure on the educational system in Czechia. The competition for limited spots in prestigious gymnasiums will likely intensify, potentially leading to increased stress and anxiety among students and parents as they navigate the entrance exam process.