Ukraine's Education Minister Strongly Opposes Dropping Mandatory Math from National Test.

Statement from Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine's Ministry of Education and Science has come out against a proposed law that would reduce the number of compulsory subjects on the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) and make mathematics optional. Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi emphasized that math must remain a mandatory component of the exam, underscoring the subject's critical role in the country's educational system.

The Ministry issued its statement on June 4 during a press briefing. Lisovyi described any move to alter the required subjects as unacceptable and detrimental to education.

“Removing math or history from the list of mandatory NMT subjects is absurd,” he said.

“My position is clear: yes, it must remain.”

Current NMT Status and Subject Importance

For context, the NMT-2026 testing period began on May 20 and will run until June 25. Despite the ongoing challenges of war, the number of university applicants in Ukraine has remained steady. The Ministry of Education and Science advocates for preserving core subjects in the curriculum, viewing them as essential for building a strong education system.

The debate surrounding this legislative proposal reflects a broader conversation about educational quality in Ukraine and whether current curricula meet modern demands. The Ministry's position highlights mathematics as a foundational subject crucial for developing students' critical thinking and analytical skills. This stance could shape future decisions on test structure and how applicants prepare for higher education admissions.