From June 25 to June 28, 2025, Ho Chi Minh City will host one of the largest high school graduation exams in Vietnam, accommodating nearly 100,000 candidates. This massive undertaking, organized by the city's Department of Education and Training, involves 171 test locations spread across the metropolis, all meticulously prepared to ensure a smooth and secure examination process.
Ho Chi Minh City ranks second nationwide in the number of candidates taking the high school graduation exam, surpassed only by Hanoi. This year, a total of 99,578 students have registered to sit for the exam, marking an increase of 8,891 candidates compared to 2024. Of these, 97,940 students are following the 2018 general education program, while 1,638 candidates are registered under the 2006 program. Notably, the number of independent candidates has surged by 5,000, reflecting a growing trend of students seeking alternative pathways to graduation.
To accommodate this scale, the city has designated 171 test sites, all of which are schools with facilities that meet safety standards and provide convenience for candidates. Among these, 168 locations house 4,180 examination rooms for the 2018 program candidates, and 3 locations offer 62 rooms for those under the 2006 program. Each site is also equipped with three contingency rooms to manage any unforeseen issues during the exam period.
Ensuring the integrity and security of the exam is a top priority. Each exam room spans at least 30 square meters and is arranged with 24 desks, adhering strictly to regulations. The city has invested heavily in security infrastructure, including secure safes, two-layer locking systems, and standardized sealing procedures for exam materials. Over 10,000 sets of various records have been prepared to document every aspect of the examination process.
Moreover, a robust workforce has been mobilized to support the exam. This includes 855 leadership officials overseeing the test sites, 12,726 proctors—an increase of 1,409 from the previous year—2,394 service staff, and 513 police officers stationed at the locations to maintain order and safety. Additionally, 92 staff members are responsible for printing and duplicating exam papers, while about 300 personnel will handle the transport and delivery of exam materials.
In a significant step to bolster exam security, the Department of Education and Training has mandated the installation of surveillance cameras in all 171 test locations. These cameras will monitor the rooms where exam papers and answer sheets are stored, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all containers holding exam materials and any activities related to them. The installation is scheduled for June 19, 2025, just days before the exam begins.
The surveillance system is designed to operate continuously, even during power outages, with the capacity to store all data related to the exam paper and answer sheet storage process. This move aims to prevent any tampering or misconduct, reinforcing the transparency and fairness of the examination.
These preparations reflect the city’s commitment to providing a secure, fair, and efficient environment for one of the most critical academic milestones for Vietnamese students. The scale and meticulous planning involved underscore the importance placed on education and the high stakes of the high school graduation exam, which serves as a gateway to higher education and future opportunities.
As the exam dates approach, students, parents, and educators alike are gearing up for this pivotal event. With nearly 100,000 candidates taking part under stringent security measures and carefully organized logistics, Ho Chi Minh City is setting a high standard for conducting large-scale examinations in Vietnam.
