As of school year 2013/2014, high school graduates will take four external subjects within the state exam, said Minister of Education and Science Pance Kralev at Friday's press conference.

As before, the classes of 2012 and 2013 will be tested in two external subjects - mother tongue and literature as mandatory, math or foreign language, i.e. philosophy or aesthetics in art schools as optional.

The two additional external subjects will replace the two internal ones marked by teachers, whereas the external subjects are marked by the State Examination Center.

Kralev stressed the announcement comes early so that students have sufficient time to prepare for the state exam with an increased number of subjects.

"We want students to focus on subjects that represent a good foundation for the higher education they choose. The two additional external subjects will encircle the testing requirements of obtained knowledge in secondary education", he added.

The state exam is administered in June of every year.