13-Hour Ordeal During Odesa Exam: Ukraine’s Ombudsman Demands Education Ministry Action.

Severe Disruptions Hit National Multi-Subject Test in Odesa Region

According to Espreso.tv: The National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) in Odesa Oblast turned into a grueling marathon, largely due to an extended air raid alert. Students endured nearly 13 hours in shelters, witnessing highly abnormal testing conditions. The examination, stretching from 9:00 AM to around 10:00 PM, sparked outrage over the failure to provide even the most basic necessities for test-takers.

While confined to bomb shelters, participants were denied access to water and food—a critical oversight for children already under immense stress. Although authorities proposed holding an additional NMT session to address the situation, no specific dates or guarantees were given. This uncertainty has raised further concerns about the fairness and overall organization of the testing process. For context, Ukraine’s NMT is a high-stakes entrance exam required for university admission, making its smooth administration vital for thousands of students.

“This is exactly what I warned about. It represents an unacceptable failure of the NMT system under martial law.”

Oleksandr Lubinets

Despite these challenges, over 350,000 individuals have registered for the 2026 NMT. Meanwhile, officials have confirmed that the mandatory mathematics component will not be dropped from this year’s test. This underscores the exam’s importance but also highlights the urgent need for better planning and adequate support for participants moving forward.

Why Exam Organization Matters Now More Than Ever

The Odesa incident reveals deep flaws in managing educational processes during wartime. The Ministry of Education and Science’s response is crucial, as ensuring safe and comfortable testing environments directly impacts students’ performance and mental well-being. With more than 350,000 candidates expected for the next NMT, improving logistics and student support has become an immediate priority.