Geography is overtaking English in subject selection for the 2026 National Multidisciplinary Test
In the 2026 National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT), geography unexpectedly surged in popularity among the elective subjects, virtually matching English in popularity and even surpassing it in some categories. Educators note that this is one of the most noticeable changes in the structure of subject selection in recent years.
According to Tetyana Vakulenko, director of the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment, the structure of the 2026 NMT remains unchanged: applicants take three required subjects—Ukrainian language, mathematics, and Ukrainian history—as well as one additional elective. It is this fourth component that traditionally generates the most interest and discussion among applicants.
According to Vakulenko, English used to be the undisputed leader, chosen by the majority of test-takers. However, during this year’s registration, the situation changed: geography significantly strengthened its position and effectively tied with English for first place.
She also noted that one of the reasons for these changes is the growing number of test-takers who are taking the exam after a break in their studies, and it is this group that more often chooses geography as a subject that is more accessible or convenient to prepare for. “It’s hard for me to explain. I will note that the proportion of graduates from previous years taking the assessment has increased, and a significant number of them are choosing geography,” said Tetiana Vakulenko, commenting on the shift in trends. Educators expect that the final picture of subject choices may still change, but it is already evident that applicants’ traditional educational priorities are gradually shifting. Tetyana Vakulenko, director of the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment (UCEQA), spoke about this in an interview with Glavkom.
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.
