Over 124,000 students in Hanoi commenced their crucial 10th grade public high school entrance exams on the morning of 30/5. The competition is intense, with an anticipated admission rate of only 56%, marking the lowest figure in years for the capital city.

The exams began under favorable weather conditions in Hanoi, as a cool morning followed a night rain, bringing an end to the week's peak heatwave which saw temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Candidates started with the literature exam, a 120-minute paper beginning at 8h. Students arriving more than 15 minutes after invigilators distributed the exam papers were not permitted to enter the examination room, resulting in no score for the subject and disqualification from admission consideration.

In the afternoon, students took a 60-minute foreign language exam, primarily English. The mathematics exam, also lasting 120 minutes, was scheduled for the morning of 31/5. Candidates applying for specialized classes will sit for their specialized subject exams on 1/6.

With a target enrollment of approximately 82,660 students into public high schools, the 56% admission rate makes this the most competitive entrance exam nationwide. Data released by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training indicates that since 2021, the admission rate has consistently ranged between 61-64%.

Hanoi organized over 220 exam locations for the 10th grade entrance exams, mobilizing nearly 18,000 officials, teachers, and staff. The city required local authorities and schools to implement heat protection measures for candidates and arrange waiting areas for parents. Additionally, the power company was tasked with ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the exam period.

Exam scores and cutoff marks are expected to be announced between 19/6 and 22/6.

Hanoi candidates during 10th grade exam procedures at Tran Duy Hung Secondary School, 29/5. Photo: Hoang Giang

Thanh Hang