The upcoming high school graduation exam in Vietnam is set for June 26 and 27, 2025, and it promises significant changes aimed at improving the examination process and accommodating students better.
On June 25, candidates will gather at their respective exam rooms to finalize their registration, correct any errors, and familiarize themselves with the exam regulations and schedule. A backup exam day is scheduled for June 28, 2025, in case of unforeseen circumstances.
This year’s exam will feature two distinct types of questions: one set for students following the 2018 General Education Program and another for those under the 2006 program. This dual structure is designed to cater to the diverse educational backgrounds of the candidates.
Students from the 2018 program will tackle four subjects over three sessions, which include two compulsory subjects—Literature and Mathematics—and two optional subjects. The optional subjects encompass a wide range, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Economic and Legal Education, Informatics, Industrial Orientation Technology, Agricultural Orientation Technology, and various foreign languages such as English, Russian, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, and Korean.
The scoring system for graduation consideration will allocate 50% to the exam scores and 50% to the high school transcript scores, with additional points for any priority status the candidates may have.
In contrast, students following the 2006 program will be required to take six subjects across four sessions, including three compulsory subjects—Mathematics, Literature, and a Foreign Language—along with one optional test from either Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or Social Sciences (History, Geography, Civic Education). For those who have not graduated since 2024, the graduation consideration will be based on 30% of the 12th-grade transcript score and 70% of the high school graduation exam score.
A notable change this year is that candidates under the 2018 program are prohibited from bringing the Vietnam Atlas of Geography into the exam room. This reflects a shift in the examination policy, as stated in the newly issued regulations by the Ministry of Education and Training.
According to the Ministry's guidelines, candidates are allowed to bring basic stationery into the exam room, such as pens, rulers, pencils, erasers, compasses, drawing tools, and handheld calculators that do not have text editing or memory card functions. However, items such as carbon paper, correction pens, alcoholic beverages, weapons, explosives, and any communication devices are strictly forbidden to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Interestingly, students taking the exam under the 2006 program can still bring the Vietnam Atlas of Geography during the Geography exam, as this specific exam will include questions that utilize the atlas.
The registration period for the high school graduation exam is set from April 21 to 5 p.m. on April 28, 2025. During this time, candidates will have the option to register either directly or online. From April 15 to April 18, 2025, 12th-grade students will have the opportunity to test the online registration system.
As part of the registration process, the Ministry emphasizes that candidates must ensure their identification photo meets the required resolution of at least 400x600 pixels and was taken no more than six months prior to the submission of their registration.
In a significant move towards modernization, the Ministry of Education and Training has facilitated online registration for free candidates, which is expected to enhance the registration rate significantly. Mr. Pham Quang Hung, the Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Information, noted that approximately one million candidates participate in this online registration each year, and this year’s changes could lead to an online registration rate nearing 100%.
In addition to the exam registration, the Ministry has been working on implementing digital transcripts, having established a Steering Committee for this initiative. Phase one of the pilot model for digital transcripts at the primary school level has been completed, and the Ministry is guiding the widespread implementation of digital transcripts across various educational levels, including secondary schools, high schools, and continuing education centers.
Moreover, the Ministry has digitized numerous administrative procedures, with 68 procedures now available on its information system for handling administrative processes. However, only one full-process online public service has been launched so far.
To further streamline the examination process, candidates will take their exams in a single, fixed exam room throughout all sessions. This change aims to reduce confusion and improve the organization of the examination. The exam will also feature ten optional subjects, with all questions for these subjects being unsealed simultaneously at the beginning of the exam session.
Candidates must be present at the start of their chosen optional subject exam and can only leave the room once the exam time has concluded for both subjects. This rule is intended to ensure that all candidates are fully engaged and minimize any potential disruptions during the testing period.
As the exam approaches, it is crucial for candidates to stay informed about these changes and prepare accordingly. The Ministry of Education and Training has emphasized the importance of understanding the new regulations to avoid any potential issues during the examination process.
In summary, the 2025 high school graduation exam in Vietnam is set to introduce significant changes aimed at improving the experience for candidates and ensuring a fair and efficient examination process. With the integration of digital tools and a more structured approach to the examination format, students can expect a more streamlined experience as they prepare for this crucial milestone in their educational journey.
