Over 1,2 million candidates begin record-breaking exam

The nation commences its largest-ever graduation exam with over 1,2 million candidates, as many provinces and cities, for the first time, intensify checks for cheating devices using security scanners.

On the morning of 11/6, candidates sat for the literature exam, which was an essay-based test lasting 120 minutes. Yesterday, Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son stated that the 2026 high school graduation exam questions would closely align with the competencies and knowledge outlined in the general education curriculum, ensuring a balanced difficulty level across all subjects.

High-tech fraud prevention is a key focus for both the Ministry of Education and Training and local authorities. Numerous provinces and cities, including TP HCM, Phu Tho, Dong Nai, and Dak Lak, have equipped themselves with handheld security scanners and specialized signal detection devices to identify mobile phones and other electronic devices even before candidates enter the examination rooms.

As the locality with the largest exam scale nationwide, hosting over 143,000 candidates, including approximately 8,000 private candidates, TP HCM deployed city police forces to conduct direct, random scans at 10 test sites on 11-12/6. Candidates were informed in advance about this operation. Leaders from the Department of Education and Training affirmed their commitment to creating a comfortable atmosphere, aiming to prevent anxiety among candidates.

Furthermore, the Ministry and local authorities provided training and specific guidance to teachers regarding sophisticated, miniature cheating devices, such as: cameras embedded in shirt buttons or eyeglasses; and recording or transmitting devices hidden on candidates.

This afternoon, candidates will take the mathematics exam, a 90-minute multiple-choice test. Tomorrow, they will sit for two elective subjects from the following: foreign language, chemistry, physics, biology, history, geography, economic and legal education, informatics, and technology.

The 2026 high school graduation exam results will be announced on 1/7. According to the 2026 admission regulations, regardless of the university admission method, candidates must achieve a total graduation exam score of 15 or higher from three subjects within their chosen combination.

Notably, these scores serve as the basis for candidates to be considered for scholarships if they apply to 15 key fundamental science, engineering, strategic technology fields, and talent programs.