Post-War Surge: Record High Students Taking 5-Unit Matriculation Exams
Despite years of war, Israeli Ministry of Education data for 2026 shows record high participation in 5-unit matriculation exams for mathematics, English, and physics, outpacing demographic growth.
New matriculation data published by the Ministry of Education points to a surprising and positive trend in advanced-level studies: 2026 has seen the highest number of examinees in recent years taking 5-unit courses in mathematics, English, and physics—despite years of war and prolonged disruptions in the education system.
Significant Jumps Across Core Subjects
The most prominent figure was recorded in physics. The number of 5-unit examinees surged from 14,701 in 2023 to 17,528 in 2026—a leap of approximately 19%. In English, the number of examinees rose from 61,033 to 70,587, an increase of about 16%, while mathematics saw an increase from 21,126 to 24,129, up roughly 14%.
This significance gains further validation when comparing the data to student population growth: between 2023 and 2026, the number of 12th-grade students grew by only about 10%. In other words, the growth rate of examinees taking advanced 5-unit courses outpaces the demographic growth of the age cohort itself.
"Despite the heavy toll the war has exacted on the education system, students have managed to reach the exams that determine their future and continue to aim high," stated Minister of Education Yoav Kisch.
Provisional Data and Broader Context
It is important to note that the 2026 figures are not yet final. In mathematics, unlike previous years' data, the figures do not yet include the winter session, meaning the number of examinees and their percentages are likely to rise further. Data intake from schools is also ongoing for English and physics.
These positive matriculation trends arrive alongside broader discussions regarding international PISA assessments and national evaluation tests. While professional debates continue over measuring methodologies, the matriculation data clearly demonstrates that a growing number of Israeli high school students are choosing to pursue the highest academic levels in core subjects.
