There is a proposal to make math an elective subject on the National Multidisciplinary Test
Discussions are ongoing in Ukraine regarding possible changes to the format of the National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT), particularly concerning the status of mathematics.
Bill No. 15254-1 has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, which provides for the possibility of making mathematics an elective subject for some applicants. At the same time, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Education and Science do not support this initiative, leaving the discussion open.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that currently “there is no possibility” for mathematics to become an elective subject in the NMT. The Ministry of Education and Science holds a similar position. They oppose removing mathematics and Ukrainian history from the list of required subjects, emphasizing that admission to higher education institutions must include an assessment of applicants’ basic knowledge. Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi previously made this statement.
Despite this, a petition was submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers calling for a review of the approach to administering the NMT and making mathematics an elective subject for some applicants.
The author of the petition asks to consider the possibility of abolishing the mandatory math section of the National Multidisciplinary Test, as well as the external independent assessment in math should it be reinstated, starting in 2027.
According to the author of the petition, recent years have shown that mandatory math testing places a significant burden on many graduates, especially those planning to apply for majors in the humanities, social sciences, education, the arts, and other fields where mathematical training is not a determining factor.
The petition notes that a significant number of applicants demonstrate a high level of knowledge in the Ukrainian language, Ukrainian history, literature, foreign languages, and other specialized disciplines, yet receive lower scores due to mathematics. According to the author of the petition, this negatively impacts admission prospects and does not reflect the applicant’s true potential in their chosen field.
The author also emphasizes that making math a mandatory subject creates unequal conditions for applicants, as students’ levels of mathematical ability vary significantly. He notes that even additional classes and preparation do not always make it possible to achieve the necessary result, and success on the test depends not only on diligence and motivation but also on individual aptitude for the exact sciences.
Separately, Petition No. 41/010093-26ep draws attention to the psychological aspect. It is noted that preparation for the mandatory mathematics exam often becomes a source of significant stress, heightened anxiety, and emotional exhaustion, which can negatively affect graduates’ mental well-being, their motivation to learn, and their performance in other subjects.
At the same time, the author acknowledges that mathematics remains an important component of preparation for technical, natural science, economic, and a number of other fields of study. However, in his view, for many humanities and creative fields, other competencies and knowledge are of decisive importance; therefore, uniform mathematics requirements for all applicants, regardless of their chosen major, are not sufficiently justified.
The petition also notes that due to the difficulty of the mandatory mathematics test, some talented graduates choose to study abroad or refuse to apply to Ukrainian higher education institutions altogether. In the author’s opinion, this could negatively impact the number of applicants, the level of competition, and the quality of the educational environment at domestic universities.
In this regard, it is proposed to allow applicants to independently choose mathematics as an NMT subject depending on the requirements of their chosen major. At the same time, it is proposed that Ukrainian language and Ukrainian history remain mandatory for all test takers as subjects of significant social and nation-building importance.
This is stated inregistered bill No. 15254-1.
NMT results have already begun appearing in personal accounts.
Earlier, the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment commented on the situation in the Odesa region, where participants in the National Multidisciplinary Test spent nearly 13 hours at the testing center due to prolonged air raid alerts. According to the agency, graduates were offered the option to reschedule the exam for an additional session, but they refused and decided to wait until the testing was completed and take the NMT on the same day.
An alternative bill to change the format of the National Multisubject Test (NMT) has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The document proposes reducing the number of subjects from four to three. In this case, mathematics would be an elective subject.
The registration in the Verkhovna Rada of a bill proposing to remove mathematics from the list of mandatory subjects for the NMT starting in 2027 has sparked outrage in the educational and scientific communities.
