---
title: "Mathematics Under Fire: Ukrainian Parliament Proposes Abolishing Mandatory NMT Math Exam"
description: "A heated debate has erupted in the Verkhovna Rada regarding the future of the NMT: deputies propose abolishing mandatory mathematics, leaving only language and history. Experts and scientists call this idea a \"shot in the head\" for the country's defense capabilities, insisting on the importance of the subject for developing innovation and logic. 📉🇺🇦📚"
date: 2026-06-04T11:08:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/abolishing-mandatory-mathematics-in-nmt-in-ukraine-en
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Mathematics Under Fire: Ukrainian Parliament Proposes Abolishing Mandatory NMT Math Exam

![Students in a classroom working on laptops and writing in notebooks — illustration for news about possible cancellation of mandatory math exam in NMT](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/04/otmena-obiazatelnoy-matematiki-na-nmt-v-ukraine/otmena-obiazatelnoy-matematiki-na-nmt-v-ukraine-1.webp)

A fierce debate has erupted in the Ukrainian educational sphere regarding the future of the National Multidisciplinary Testing (NMT). At the center of the discussion is one of the key subjects — mathematics. Deputies and experts are divided into two camps: some propose making the subject optional, while others insist that this is a threat to national security and the country's future.

### Draft Law on Simplifying the Exam

On June 2, 2026, a group of People's Deputies submitted Draft Law No. 15254-1 to the Verkhovna Rada. The document proposes changes to the laws on state final certification and the 2027 admissions campaign. According to Yulia Grishina, head of the subcommittee on higher education issues, the initiative aims to restore the system that "worked successfully before the war".

The essence of the proposal is to reduce the list of mandatory subjects. Under the new model, applicants will only have to take exams in the Ukrainian language and the history of Ukraine. Mathematics, however, is proposed to be moved to the category of optional additional subjects.

### Arguments of Opponents: "A Shot in the Head"

The initiative has met with stiff resistance from representatives of science, education, and politics. Vasyl Tereshchenko, Deputy Director of the Ukrainian Center for Assessment of Education Quality (UCAEQ), emphasized that school mathematics education plays an indisputable role in developing the thinking necessary for any educated person.

Tatyana Vakulenko, Director of the UCAEQ, cited dry facts: test results in mathematics, along with the Ukrainian language, are the best predictors of future students' success. In her opinion, this subject serves as the most important tool for mastering academic programs, so it should remain mandatory.

People's Deputy Roman Gryshchuk reminded that mathematics is the only mandatory subject from the natural and mathematical cycle in the NMT. He pointed out the importance of the subject for developing critical and logical thinking, which is required for both technical specialists and humanists. "Mathematics is important for the predictive validity of tests. That is, this subject best shows the success of further learning," the parliamentarian added.

### Question of National Security

Supporters of keeping mathematics on the mandatory list go beyond academic discussions, linking the issue to the state's defense capabilities. Financier and diplomat Oksana Markarova stated that Ukraine's only chance to win the war and in peace is development through innovation in all spheres. "Therefore, we need more mathematics in schools, and it needs to be taught better. Not less," the expert believes.

Ksenia Semenova, President of the Kyiv Aviation Institute State University, spoke even more categorically: "Physics, chemistry, and mathematics in school — this is our defense industry." Scientist Kateryna Terletska compared abolishing mandatory mathematics to suicide: "Abolishing mathematics as a mandatory NMT subject in a warring country is not just a shot in the foot, it is a shot in the head".

### What's Next?

The fate of the 2027 admissions campaign remains uncertain for now. The draft law is registered, but its fate depends on the position of the deputies and the public. At the same time, experts continue to insist that lowering the bar for mathematical literacy may have long-term negative consequences for the quality of higher education in the country.