CPGE - B/L - Lettres et sciences sociales

The CPGE - B/L - Lettres et sciences sociales (Classes Préparatoires aux Grandes Ecoles, B/L stream — Literature and Social Sciences) at the Institution des Chartreux in Lyon, France, is a two-year intensive preparatory program taught in French. The CPGE system prepares students for the competitive entry examinations of France's grandes écoles, and the B/L stream specifically targets institutions such as the ENS (Ecole Normale Supérieure) and grandes écoles in the social sciences. The curriculum is broad and demanding, combining literary study (French and foreign literature, philosophy) with social science disciplines (economics, sociology, history, mathematics and statistics). Students develop high-level analytical, argumentative, and quantitative skills over two intensive years. This is a non-degree track — its purpose is preparation for competitive examinations rather than conferring a qualification directly. Successful candidates enter leading grandes écoles or may convert their CPGE credits toward a university licence. The program begins in September, lasts 2 years, and is taught in French at this private institution in Lyon.