Education Minister Rejects Calls to Simplify University Entrance Exam Despite Applicant Complaints

Education Minister on the National Multi-Subject Test

According to Главком: Ukraine’s Education Minister, Oksen Lisovyi, has confirmed that the Ministry of Education and Science will not simplify the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) due to the ongoing war. He emphasized that the exam is uniform for all applicants and that the vast majority of test-takers successfully achieve the minimum passing score. Lisovyi pointed out that the percentage of students failing to reach this threshold is extremely low, which he interprets as evidence of the test’s accessibility.

The NMT is the direct successor to Ukraine’s External Independent Evaluation (ZNO), which was introduced in 2008. Unlike the current format, the ZNO required extended written answers and assessed knowledge across multiple subjects as well as analytical skills. The ZNO score served as the primary criterion for admission to higher education institutions. The Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment (UCEQA) has been responsible for developing and administering both testing systems.

Applicant Concerns and the Ministry’s Stance

Currently, applicants are voicing worries about the increased difficulty of the NMT-2026. In response to these complaints, Minister Lisovyi stated:

The percentage of children who fail to achieve the minimum passing score on the NMT is extremely low. This shows that the test is accessible and can be passed. - Oksen Lisovyi

As a result, the Ministry of Education’s position remains unchanged: no simplification of the test is planned.

During wartime, maintaining educational standards is crucial to avoid lowering the quality of youth preparation. The joint efforts of the Ministry of Education and test participants may reflect the education system’s adaptation to new challenges, particularly in ensuring access to quality learning. By keeping the NMT unchanged, the government aims to uphold equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of their circumstances.

In light of the challenges faced by applicants, including concerns over increased difficulty and external factors like shelling, it's essential to understand the options available to graduates. Recently, it has been announced that students can reschedule the National Multi-Subject Test to accommodate their circumstances, ensuring they have the opportunity to perform their best under these trying conditions.