Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, announced this information at the Ho Chi Minh City High School Graduation Exam training conference on the morning of 8/4.

Phong stated that after consolidation, the city has over 169,000 junior high school graduates. The 10th-grade entrance exam is projected to have about 250 testing sites across three areas. He noted that due to the large scale and wide geographical area, preparing facilities, invigilators, examiners, and budget estimates is a substantial task, requiring early preparation to avoid being reactive.

"Any potential incident would impact students' studies, their future, and the city's reputation," Phong said.

Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, spoke at the conference on the morning of 8/4. Photo: Trang Thu

Therefore, the Department plans to deliver 10th-grade exam papers to the boards one day prior. After students complete the three subjects, all exam papers will be transferred to the Department at once. Grading will be centralized at three locations, with one subject per location.

In previous years, the Department delivered the papers early on the morning of the exam day. After each subject was completed, the Department collected those papers.

"With such a wide area and numerous testing sites, delivering papers early on exam day risks significant impact if an incident occurs," Phong stated. "This is a plan, and the Department will discuss it further to make a final decision."

Regarding personnel, because the 10th-grade exam (June 1-2) and the high school graduation exam (June 11-12) are very close, the Department recognizes immense pressure to mobilize teachers for invigilation and grading. It is likely that high school teachers will be deployed to support both exams.

The Department has issued a directive restricting teachers from traveling abroad during this period, requiring principals to be cautious when approving leave for teachers to return home before, during, and after the exams.

This year, the city has over 169,000 junior high school graduates, a rise of nearly 43,000 compared to last year. Specifically, the former TP HCM area saw an increase of over 27,000 students, while the former Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau areas increased by over 8,400 and 7,200 students respectively.

The Department aims for nearly 118,400 students to enter public 10th grade, targeting a 70% admission rate. The remaining students may attend private high schools, vocational schools, or continuing education programs.

Students take three subjects: Mathematics, Literature, and a Foreign Language (primarily English) for admission scores. Those aspiring to specialized schools will take corresponding specialized subject exams. However, in Thanh An island commune, Con Dao special administrative zone, schools admit students to 10th grade based on academic transcripts.

Students discuss the Ho Chi Minh City public 10th-grade exam papers at Hoa Lu Junior High School, June 2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

Le Nguyen