From 6 AM, the Ta Quang Buu Library area at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) was bustling with parents and candidates arriving for the first phase of the 2026 thinking assessment test. University staff and student volunteers were present early, assisting candidates with queuing, baggage drop-off, security checks, and automated check-in.
Pham Ngoc Anh, a 12th grade student from Tu Ky High School, woke up at 4 AM to travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi for the exam, feeling nervous.
"This is my first major exam, and my goal is to earn admission scores for Hanoi University of Science and Technology and several other universities," Ngoc Anh said.
Over the past three months, the student supplemented her in-class studies with an online course to prepare for the TSA. After attempting numerous practice tests, Ngoc Anh found the exam "very difficult" due to its high scientific content, which differs significantly from the high school graduation exam. She estimated her score to be between 50-60 points out of 100, hoping for a better result in today's official test.
Along with Ngoc Anh, nearly 17,000 other candidates participated in this initial TSA phase at 28 test centers located in Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Da Nang, Thai Nguyen, and Lao Cai.
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Candidates taking the TSA thinking assessment test at Hanoi University of Science and Technology on 24/1. Photo: Duong Tam |
Candidates taking the TSA thinking assessment test at Hanoi University of Science and Technology on 24/1. Photo: Duong Tam
Phan Dinh Nhat Anh, a 12th grade student from Hanoi, dedicated considerable effort to this exam, viewing it as the most promising path to secure admission into HUST's Information Technology program.
"I will only use these results and my high school graduation exam scores for admission applications, and HUST always prioritizes TSA scores," Nhat Anh stated.
The student shared that he asked his parents for over 3 million VND to enroll in an online review course and practiced weekly. Nhat Anh noted that the TSA exam features many current affairs and scientific elements, requiring candidates to possess strong logical thinking rather than simply applying standard formulas.
Having scored around 65 points or higher in practice tests, Nhat Anh hoped to achieve over 75 points today. The professional online check-in process further strengthened his resolve to enter the university.
Meanwhile, To Duc Binh, a 12th grade student from Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted in Phu Tho province, did not take extra classes. Instead, he focused on his school curriculum, stayed updated on current events, and regularly practiced with exam questions.
Following recent news, Binh was particularly interested in discussions surrounding the use of IELTS certificates in university admissions, and he hoped to see this topic included in the exam.
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A modern thinking assessment test room at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Photo: Duong Tam |
A modern thinking assessment test room at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Photo: Duong Tam
Dr. Le Dinh Nam, Vice Head of Admissions and Career Guidance Board at HUST, announced that nearly 50 universities will utilize TSA results for admissions this year. In addition to HUST, these include major technical universities in the northern and central regions, economics, law, and banking institutions, as well as multidisciplinary, medical, pharmaceutical, and private universities.
HUST has upgraded its software, examination organization system, and computer labs to ensure maximum technical reliability.
The exam's structure and format remain consistent, comprising three parts: Mathematical Thinking (60 minutes), Reading Comprehension (30 minutes), and Science/Problem Solving (60 minutes). Questions focus on evaluating candidates' thinking abilities rather than directly testing knowledge from specific subjects, with a total score of 100.
"The exam questions are updated and supplemented annually, aligning with the current general education program. Many questions cover engaging current affairs topics," Dr. Nam explained.
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Candidates performing automated check-in at the thinking assessment test center, morning of 24/1. Photo: Duong Tam |
Candidates performing automated check-in at the thinking assessment test center, morning of 24/1. Photo: Duong Tam
In addition to this phase, HUST will host two more thinking assessment exam phases this year. The registration and exam schedule is as follows:
| Exam Phase | Registration Period | Exam Schedule |
| Phase 2 | 5-15/2 | 14-15/3 |
| Phase 3 | 5-15/4 | 16-17/5 |
Last year, HUST also organized three TSA exam phases, attracting over 28,000 candidates with nearly 57,000 test attempts.
The average score for all candidates was 55.23 out of 100. The top scorer was Vu Minh Duc, a 12th grade Mathematics 2 student from Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted, who achieved 98.61 out of 100 points, setting a new record for the exam.
HUST's 2025 admission cut-off scores, based on thinking assessment results, ranged from 46.48 to 86.97, with Data Science and Artificial Intelligence having the highest requirement.
Duong Tam
