Scores of 10 in mathematics graduation exam increase 8-fold

The number of test papers achieving a score of 10 in mathematics increased more than 8 times compared to last year, but nearly 453,000 candidates also scored below average (below 5).

The Ministry of Education and Training announced the high school graduation exam scores and score distribution for 2026 on the morning of 1/7. Mathematics, a mandatory subject for over 1.19 million candidates, saw a significant increase in top scores. This subject is crucial for university admissions, featuring in combinations such as A00 (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry), A01 (Mathematics, Physics, English), and D01 (Mathematics, Literature, English).

The number of perfect scores (10s) in mathematics surged to 4,208, an eight-fold increase from 513 last year. This outcome surprised many educators who had anticipated a similar low number of top scores as the previous year. The overall average score for all candidates also improved, reaching 5.65, up 0.87 points from last year. This rise means mathematics is no longer the only subject with an average score below 5.

Despite the increase in high scores, a substantial number of candidates struggled. Nearly 453,000 test papers, almost 38%, received scores below average (under 5). Additionally, 253 papers recorded failing scores (one or below).

Candidates taking the high school graduation exam in Ho Chi Minh City, afternoon of 11/6. Photo: Quynh Tran

The high school graduation exam took place on 11-12/6, involving over 1.2 million candidates. The mathematics exam, held on the afternoon of 11/6, was met with enthusiasm by many students in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces and cities. They found the paper "easier" and similar to the previous year's. The exam comprised three sections: 12 multiple-choice questions, four true-false questions with 16 items, and six short-answer questions, with a 90-minute duration.

Initially, many teachers had predicted that the exam's difficulty had not decreased, making perfect scores rare. However, they did anticipate a potential increase in average scores, likely falling within the 5-7 range.

Mathematics exam paper for the 2026 high school graduation exam

Candidates can check their 2026 high school graduation exam scores from 8 AM on 1/7. Those wishing to request a review can do so until 5/7.

Beginning 2/7, students can register and adjust their university and college admission preferences via the Ministry's system. This process will continue until 5 PM on 14/7. University admission cut-off scores and final pass/fail results for candidates will be announced after 5 PM on 9/8.