The Son La Department of Education and Training outlined this plan in an official dispatch on 5/1 regarding admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The proposed combined test will consist of 80 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 90 minutes. History, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology will each have 10 questions, while English will have 30. Students will receive 0,125 points for each correct answer.

The department stated that the knowledge scope primarily covers the 9th grade curriculum, with 70% of questions at the recognition level, 20% at comprehension, and 10% at application.

View the sample combined test for Son La's 10th grade entrance exam.

This information garnered significant attention on parent forums on the morning of 9/1. Many parents expressed concerns, believing the volume of knowledge required is too heavy for graduating students. They noted that no other locality has previously chosen a combined subject with such a broad range of knowledge areas.

A leader from the Son La Department of Education and Training explained to VnExpress that before 2020, the province primarily used academic record-based admission for 10th grade, then switched to a three-subject exam, including mathematics, literature, and one other subject (English for the past three years).

The department observed that this approach led to students and teachers focusing solely on exam subjects, neglecting others. This resulted in rote learning and an imbalanced curriculum. Furthermore, many students were disadvantaged if they had to take subjects outside their strengths.

According to the department, the combined test, which includes natural sciences, social sciences, and English, will ensure stability in exam subjects, avoiding annual changes. This allows students to confidently study all subjects evenly, prepare early, and avoid anxiety about waiting for the subject announcement.

Additionally, the current trend is to shift from assessing deep specialized knowledge to a comprehensive, broad assessment. The combined test will reduce risks for students, preventing them from "gambling" on a single subject, while fully reflecting their abilities.

The Son La Department of Education and Training affirmed that with 70% of the exam questions at the recognition level, students will not need to study additional material outside the curriculum. The largest number of English questions (30/80) contributes to the goal of making English a second language in schools.

Before advising the Son La Provincial People's Committee to finalize the plan and exam subjects, the department will gather professional feedback from teachers and schools, as well as parent responses. This input will help quickly complete and publish the exam specification matrix, ensuring the plan is met. The department will also require schools to organize mock exams based on its common test, analyzing score distributions to adjust the exam.

View the proposed knowledge matrix for the combined test.

Students of Son La specialized high school during the 2024-2025 academic year closing ceremony. *Photo: School Fanpage*

According to the 10th grade admission regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, effective from 2025, localities can choose to use entrance exams, academic record-based admission, or a combination for 10th grade. Specifically for entrance exams, the examination will include mathematics, literature, and a third subject (or a combined test). This subject is chosen by the Department of Education and Training from subjects assessed by scores, including: Foreign Language one, civic education, natural sciences, history and geography, technology, and informatics.

However, provinces and cities are not allowed to choose the same subject for more than three consecutive years, starting from 2025. The third subject must be announced before 31/3 annually.

To date, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang have announced English as the third subject for their 2026 10th grade entrance exams.

Thanh Hang