On 16/1, the Son La Department of Education and Training announced that during consultations with schools and parents regarding the 6-subject combined exam plan for 10th grade, the majority considered it necessary and aligned with the trend of assessing student competency, preventing rote learning and unbalanced study habits.
However, many did not agree to its immediate implementation this year. The department also deemed it "unsuitable", stating that schools, teachers, and students needed time to adapt and prepare psychologically and academically.
Therefore, the agency decided not to advise the Provincial People's Committee on selecting a third subject for the 10th grade entrance exam. Schools are instructed to continue teaching all subjects comprehensively.
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Son La students taking the 10th grade entrance exam, September 2025. *Photo: Son La High School for the Gifted*
A week prior, the Son La Department of Education and Training's proposed 10th grade exam plan garnered attention. Besides the two compulsory subjects, mathematics and literature, the department suggested a combined test comprising: history - geography, natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology), and English.
The combined test was expected to consist of 80 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 90 minutes. History, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology would each have 10 questions, while English would have 30. Students would receive 0,125 points for each correct answer.
The department evaluated that a combined test would provide stability for the exam, eliminating the need for annual subject changes. Students would need to study consistently, prepare early, and avoid procrastination.
Furthermore, the current trend is shifting from assessing in-depth knowledge to a more comprehensive and broad evaluation. A combined test would reduce risks for students, preventing them from "gambling" on a single subject, and would fully reflect their overall abilities.
According to the Ministry of Education and Training's 10th grade admission regulations, from 2025, localities can choose to use entrance exams, admission by review, or a combination of both. For entrance exams, the test will include mathematics, literature, and a third subject (or a combined test). This third subject is chosen by the Department of Education and Training from a list of graded subjects, including: foreign language one, civic education, natural sciences, history and geography, technology, and informatics.
However, provinces and cities are not allowed to choose the same subject for more than three consecutive years and must announce the third exam subject before 31/3 each year.
To date, several localities have announced their third subject for the 10th grade exam, such as TP HCM, Da Nang, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa, which selected a foreign language (primarily English), while Tuyen Quang chose natural sciences.
Thanh Hang
