From April 17 to May 7, 2025, the National University of Ho Chi Minh City opened registration for the second round of the 2025 capacity assessment exam. As of now, the total number of registered candidates has reached an impressive 97,121. Candidates must complete their exam fee payments by May 8, 2025, to ensure their participation.
The second round of the 2025 exam is scheduled for June 1, 2025, and will be held across 11 provinces and cities: Hue City, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Tien Giang, An Giang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Results from this round are expected to be announced on June 16, 2025. For candidates who take both rounds of the exam, the higher score will be taken into account for admission considerations.
In the first round of the exam, the average score was 618.4, with 142 candidates achieving scores above 1,000. The highest score recorded was an impressive 1,060. Currently, over 110 educational institutions have registered to utilize the results of the capacity assessment exam organized by the National University of Ho Chi Minh City for their student admissions.
Meanwhile, as the high school graduation exam approaches in 2025, it remains a critical milestone for both 12th-grade students and independent candidates who studied under the 2006 general education program. While the number of independent candidates is relatively small, they require close support to ensure fairness and uphold their rights during the examination process.
Most independent candidates are individuals who have either graduated or completed the 12th-grade program but wish to retake the exam to enhance their chances of admission into desirable fields, particularly in sectors that attract many students, such as information technology, medicine, and economics.
As of now, the group of 12th-grade students constitutes over 97% of the registered candidates, while independent candidates, numbering around 16,500, are following the older education program. Experts recommend that even after completing registration, candidates should continue to log into the system to review their information. Small errors, such as mistakenly selecting the box for independent candidates or choosing the wrong educational program, can impact their classification, lead to receiving incorrect exam papers, or hinder their admission process.
With less than two months remaining until the high school graduation exam officially kicks off, candidates across the country are entering a crucial phase in their preparations for this significant event. The exam is not just a test of knowledge but a stepping stone towards their future educational and career paths.
In the lead-up to the 2025 university admission season, many universities nationwide have made notable adjustments to their admission subject combinations. This move is seen as a positive response after education regulatory bodies required institutions to review and ensure alignment between admission combinations and their respective training fields.
However, the journey to prepare for the exam is fraught with challenges, especially for independent candidates. The transition from the old education program to the new one, implemented in 2018, has left many candidates struggling to find suitable preparation materials. As schools now embrace the new curriculum, classes focused on the old program are becoming increasingly rare, particularly in subjects where options are nearly nonexistent.
This reality poses significant challenges for self-study and resource gathering. Many exam preparation centers only offer courses based on the new curriculum, forcing candidates to rely heavily on self-study, which can lead to a lack of systematic understanding and difficulty adhering to the exam structure.
In response to these challenges, several local education departments have initiated practical support measures. For instance, some regions have urged high schools to review and classify candidates to develop tailored exam preparation plans. Teachers are encouraged to analyze sample exam questions and create review materials that align closely with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Education and Training.
In mountainous provinces, adult education centers and high schools have been tasked with assisting independent candidates in understanding exam regulations and selecting appropriate subjects. However, due to regulations that prohibit mass exam preparation classes, candidates must still proactively choose licensed preparation centers or engage in self-study at home.
On the procedural front, careful attention is required during the exam registration process. According to information from the Communications Department of Luong The Vinh University, over one million candidates have completed their registration, with 12th-grade students making up more than 97% of this number. The remaining candidates are independent, with around 16,500 following the old education program.
As the exam date draws near, experts emphasize the importance of candidates ensuring their information is accurate. Errors in registration, such as incorrectly marking the box for independent candidates or selecting the wrong educational program, can lead to mismatches in exam papers and admissions processes.
Additionally, candidates need to carefully consider their elective subjects. Failing to thoroughly research the admission requirements of universities can result in selecting subjects that do not align with their desired fields, even if they achieve high scores. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with experts or teachers for guidance.
For foreign language subjects, candidates with valid international certificates can opt for an exemption from the language exam for graduation. However, if they still wish to take the foreign language test for university admission purposes, they should refrain from indicating their certificate during registration to avoid automatic exemptions.
Despite their small numbers, independent candidates represent a unique group with specific needs that require adequate attention from the education sector. Proactive information gathering, combined with flexible local support policies, will help ensure that the 2025 high school graduation exam is conducted fairly and effectively, providing the best possible conditions for all candidates.
