I heard that starting in 2024 the exam is only on computer. At our school they're saying we need to get used to the PC format. But maybe there are some exceptions or I'm misunderstanding something? How did you take it if you've already done it?
The thing is, there are no alternatives anymore - the computer format isn't some future change, it's already the established standard. The main thing to focus on isn't just getting used to the screen, but actually practicing with the specific software they use on the exam: it has its own quirks in the editor interfaces and programming environment, and if you train with that exact software, you'll feel way more confident when you're actually taking the exam.
Since 2024, the Unified State Exam in computer science is indeed only held in computer format - there are no paper versions anymore! Your school is giving you the right advice to get used to the PC, because the tasks are solved right there, no exceptions. You should practice on special online simulators or on the FIPI website to get used to the interface and typing speed - this really can affect your score.
Your school is giving you the right advice. In 2026, it's still going to be computer-based only, with no exceptions and no plans to go back to paper. Even if you have vision problems or other issues, you take it on a computer - just with font enlargement software or in a separate room. There really are no paper versions.
But the main thing is not just to get used to the screen, but to practice actually solving problems on a keyboard and mouse. A lot of people take practice tests at school or use open test versions online, and that's helpful. Here's the thing though: don't waste time memorizing the interface of FSEG's testing software. Instead, learn to write code in a regular IDE (Pascal, Python, C++ - whatever you're studying), because that's what develops speed and logical thinking. The exam interface is intuitive; you'll figure it out in five minutes.
And here's a lifehack: if you're studying at home, occasionally solve problems without any hints or autocomplete in your IDE, so you don't get dependent on the compiler's help. On the exam, it'll show you errors, but you'll have to fix them yourself, and that can eat up time if you can't quickly read through code in your head.
Your school is giving you the right advice, and yes, since 2024 the format is computer-only - no exceptions and no going back to paper, not even in 2026. But what matters more than just sitting in front of a screen is learning to type code fast and work with an editor, because during the exam you won't be able to rewrite your solution the way you do on paper; plus you need to get used to the PC interface for specific tasks - a lot of people get stuck on weird little menu quirks rather than on the actual computer science.
Everyone's right about the computer format, and there's no need to worry - it really is the established procedure. But I'll add one practical thing: don't forget to practice not just on problems, but specifically using the same software that'll be on the exam. For example, if you need to write code, practice in the same environment that testing centers provide, not just at home in your usual IDE.
And another thing - pay attention to speed and efficiency while you work. On a computer, when you're nervous it's easy to mess up navigation, get lost in the interface, or accidentally delete something. So it makes sense to go through full exam versions in class under conditions close to the real thing: in a single window, without switching between programs, with a time limit. It's psychologically a completely different experience than solving problems at home in comfort.
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