The first day of Enem 2025, held on November 9, recorded a 27% abstention rate, similar to 2024. Over 4.8 million students registered, with 3,240 eliminations for irregularities. The essay theme was "Perspectives on aging in Brazilian society".
The National High School Exam (Enem) 2025 began on Sunday (November 9) across 1,804 Brazilian municipalities, with gates opening at noon and closing at 1 p.m. Candidates had 5 hours and 30 minutes for 90 questions on languages, codes and technologies, human sciences, and a Portuguese essay. Questions covered topics like beauty standards, referencing Paolla Oliveira and Margot Robbie; energy transition, including electric cars; and Afro-Brazilian culture, discussing orixás and racism. History focused on colonial periods and Getúlio Vargas's government; geography on land concentration and energy matrix.
Education Minister Camilo Santana reported a 27% abstention rate among 4.8 million registrants – an 11% increase from 2024. "The result shows stability in attendance," he stated. 3,240 candidates were eliminated for carrying electronic devices, early exit, or rule violations. One arrest occurred, but unrelated to the exam, per Inep president Manuel Palácios.
The essay theme, "Perspectives on aging in Brazilian society," featured support texts quoting Fernanda Montenegro – "Old age is the time when life has already been lived and, for that reason, can finally be looked at squarely, without the panic of novelty" – and Rita Lee: "Old age is not a disease. It is destiny." Experts praised the test as well-constructed and current. Due to COP30, Belém, Ananindeua, and Marituba (PA) will take the exam on November 30 and December 7. In Rio Bonito do Iguaçu (PR), destroyed by a tornado on November 7, reapplication is set for December 16 and 17. The second day is November 16, with official answer key on November 13 and results in January 2026.
