Which country truly masters maths? Every few years, the spotlight falls on global education as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reveals how 15-year-old students apply their mathematical knowledge to real-world problems. Unlike traditional tests that focus on memorisation, PISA emphasises problem-solving and practical understanding, making it a key benchmark for comparing the effectiveness of national education systems worldwide.
Singapore Is Best at Maths
In the most recent PISA cycle, Singapore once again secured the top position in mathematics. Its students performed far above the international average, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global leader in education. Singapore’s mathematics score stood close to 575 points, significantly higher than the OECD average of 472, highlighting a substantial performance gap.
Strong Showing from East Asia
Following Singapore, regions such as Macao and Chinese Taipei also recorded impressive scores in the mid-500s. Japan and South Korea were not far behind, continuing their consistent dominance in mathematics, science, and reading assessments. While some European countries, such as Estonia and Switzerland, ranked respectably, they remained well below the top East Asian performers.
Why Top Countries Perform Better
Education experts identify several shared traits among high-ranking nations. These include a strong early emphasis on problem-solving, well-trained teachers, smaller class sizes, and consistent national curricula. In countries such as Singapore and Japan, students are encouraged to understand mathematical concepts deeply from an early age. This foundation enables them to handle complex problems confidently by the time they reach adolescence.
Challenges in Lower-Ranking Nations
In contrast, countries that rank lower often face uneven teaching standards and limited access to quality resources. Many still rely heavily on rote learning methods, which restrict students’ ability to apply mathematical knowledge in unfamiliar or real-world scenarios. Such gaps become evident in assessments such as PISA.
India’s Uneven PISA Journey
India’s participation in PISA has been limited. The country last took part in 2009, with students from Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. That year, India ranked 73rd out of 74 regions, placing just above Kyrgyzstan. Since then, India has stayed out of subsequent cycles, citing curriculum differences and assessment timing issues.
India Beyond PISA Rankings
Although India lacks a current PISA ranking, other assessments, such as TIMSS, indicate mixed outcomes. Indian students often perform well on routine questions but struggle with higher-order, real-world problem-solving. Experts believe reforms under the National Education Policy 2020, which focus on critical thinking, experiential learning, and teacher training, could improve future outcomes.