Central Data Catalog

The Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) is administered annually by the Ministry of Education, Examinations Syndicate to grade 6 (ISCED 1) students in public and private schools.

The UPSR is a high-stake and mandatory examination that certifies completion of primary education. It is a requirement for students wishing to pursue lower-secondary education (ISCED 2).

The UPSR is administered face-to-face. It comprises a written component, delivered through paper-pencil tests, and an oral component. All test-takers are presented with the same cognitive booklets or tests, which are aligned with the national curriculum.

The UPSR serves the following purposes:

- student certification for completion of primary education

- student selection to higher education programmes or admission into specific courses or tracks

- supporting teachers (training, relevant materials, etc.)

- school or educator accountability

- promoting competition among schools

- sub-national level monitoring of learning outcomes

- monitoring education quality levels

- planning education policy reforms

Note that the results are also used by the Inspectorate and Quality Assurance division to rank school effectiveness.

The UPSR accommodates students with special needs by providing test materials in braille or with large fonts for visually impaired students.

A back-up version of the tests is prepared for unexpected delay or postponement due to mishaps or natural disasters.

Census (all students at the given grades or ages)

Results are available at the student and school levels. Data are disagregated by sex.

Results are published in reports, which are available in print.