Competence assessment: a decline is visible among fifth graders, while improvement is seen among others

The results of the 2025/2026 digital national competency measurement in Hungary show improvements in most grades and subjects, despite some declines. Over 607,000 students participated in online tests this spring, covering mathematics, reading comprehension, digital culture, history, natural sciences, and foreign languages. Mathematics scores improved overall, with the largest increase among eighth graders. Reading comprehension saw declines in grades 4 and 5, while eighth graders improved significantly. Natural sciences showed uniform improvement, particularly among tenth graders. Digital culture scores dropped for fifth graders but rose for higher grades. History scores decreased for fifth graders but increased for grades 8-11. English scores improved in several grades, while German scores varied, with declines in lower grades but increases in higher ones.