Russian students shift toward science as 2026 exam choices reveal new trends
Students in the Omsk region have finalised their subject choices for the 2026 Unified State Exam (USE). Russian and mathematics remain mandatory for all graduates, with an option to take either basic or advanced maths. This year, more test-takers have shown a clear preference for natural science subjects over humanities.
The 2026 USE will run in three phases: an early session from 20 March to 20 April, the main session from 1 June to 9 July, and a retake period from 4 to 25 September. Students must sit exams in Russian and mathematics, though they can opt for either the basic or advanced maths paper. Of those taking maths, 43.1% selected the basic level, while 52.9% chose the advanced version.
Interest in natural sciences has climbed compared to previous years. Physics led the elective choices at 26%, followed by computer science (22.5%) and biology (18.7%). Chemistry also saw a notable selection rate of 12.4%. Svetlana Ponkratova, head of the Ministry of Education's Department of Preschool, General, and Supplementary Education, highlighted this shift toward science subjects.
Meanwhile, fewer students picked humanities and languages. Social studies attracted 42.8% of test-takers, while English was chosen by 9.5%. Literature and geography saw even lower numbers, at 6.7% and 6% respectively. History remained moderately popular at 14.3%.
The 2026 USE schedule is now set, with exams spread across three sessions. More students have turned to natural sciences, particularly physics and computer science, while humanities subjects have seen a decline. No further data explains the reasons behind these trends or compares them to past years.
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