RU
What Is the OGE?
It is an an abbreviation for “Basic State Examination”. It forms the core component of the State Final Attestation (SFA, or GIA in Russian) for basic general education programmes, typically completed after Grade 9. Passing the OGE is essential to obtain a certificate for this level of education.
Grade 9 graduates sit the OGE in four subjects: Russian Language and Mathematics are compulsory, plus two elective subjects from the following list: Biology, Geography, a Foreign Language, IT, History, Literature, Social Studies, Physics or Chemistry.
Most examinations are conducted in written form using standardised control and measurement materials (CMMs, or KIMs in Russian) that are uniform across the country. An oral component is included only for Foreign Languages, while IT tasks are completed on computers.
The OGE timetable, like that of the USE (Unified State Examination), is nationwide and generally falls in late May to June. The oral assessment in Russian Language is held earlier, in February.
How to Gain Admission to the OGE
To be admitted to the SFA-9 in the form of the OGE the following requirements must be met:
- Successfully complete the final oral assessment in Russian Language with a “pass” mark. This takes place on the second Wednesday of February using nationwide CMMs. Applications are submitted at school two weeks in advance. Reserve dates in March and April are available for those who miss it or do not pass due to valid reasons. The assessment involves reading and retelling a short text, preparing a brief monologue on a given topic and responding to the examiner’s questions.
- Submit an application by 1 March specifying the subjects for the OGE.
- Complete Grade 9 with marks no lower than “3” (satisfactory).
Rules for Conducting the OGE
The unified OGE timetable is typically published in December or later. If multiple elective subjects are scheduled on the same date, two alternative dates in different weeks are usually provided for each. This ensures no candidate sits two examinations on the same day. At the end of the examination period, reserve days are allocated for absentees (e.g., due to illness) or retakes.
Examinations are held at designated examination centres (PECs, or PPEs in Russian)—most commonly in schools, but not the candidate’s own to avoid a familiar environment. In large cities, each subject may be conducted at a different venue. For rural schools, the centre may be in the nearest settlement.
All examinations begin at 10:00 local time and last 2–4 hours (the oral part of the Foreign Language examination is 15 minutes and held on a separate day). Mobile phones and other unauthorised items are prohibited; candidates must bring identification (passport), a pen, and may bring water and a light snack. Calculators, rulers and dictionaries are permitted for certain subjects.
CMM sets are delivered to centres in sealed packages. Responses are recorded on special answer sheets. Oral responses for Foreign Languages are audio-recorded. Time for briefing and equipment set up is not included in the examination duration.
How the OGE Is Assessed
Each script is marked by two experts; a third is involved if marks differ significantly. Raw scores are converted to a five-point scale. The examination is passed with a mark of “3” (satisfactory) or higher.
CMMs are updated annually, so the score conversion scale changes and may vary by region in line with recommendations from Rosobrnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science).
Why Is the OGE Needed?
The OGE certifies mastery of the Grade 9 curriculum and awards the certificate of basic general education. Without it, progression to Grade 10 or entry to college is not possible.
OGE Preparation at ISSPb 
At our school, preparation for the Basic State Examination (OGE) commences in Grade 8, with the introduction of specialised lessons into the curriculum, focussing on the key elements of the examination programme. In Grade 9, pupils undertake four mock examinations at another educational institution, enabling systematic evaluation of their progress and facilitating adaptation to the format and conditions of the actual test. By the end of the academic year, pupils successfully receive their certificate of basic general education. Our qualified teaching staff, throughout the entire period of study, ensure comprehensive knowledge acquisition and the development of essential skills, guaranteeing that every graduate achieves a high standard of readiness for the OGE.
