Eliminating the C00 combination: Experts suggest adjustments to ensure the rights of candidates.

In 2026, many universities are expected to adjust their admission criteria, eliminating some traditional combinations such as C00, A01, and A00. This change has caused considerable concern among candidates who fear losing the opportunity to enter their dream majors.

The school is abandoning the traditional subject combination, posing a challenge for candidates.

To date, more than 20 universities have announced their projected admission plans for 2026. Notably, many universities have announced they will not consider the C00, A00 subject combinations, etc. Among them, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has announced its 2026 admission plan and will not consider the C00 combination (Literature, History, Geography) for 15 out of 30 majors.

The Political Officer Training School will no longer use the C00 (Literature, History, Geography) and A00 (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) subject combinations for the 2026 admissions season. Instead, the school will use the following combinations: C01 (Literature, Mathematics, Physics), C03 (Literature, Mathematics, History), C04 (Literature, Mathematics, Geography), and D01 (Literature, Mathematics, English).

The Border Guard Academy also announced adjustments to the admission combinations for the same reason. The school will use three combinations: C03 (Literature, Mathematics, History), C04 (Literature, Mathematics, Geography), and D01 (Literature, Mathematics, English) for both the Border Guard and Law majors.

In anticipation of these changes, many 12th-grade students have proactively adjusted their study plans, shifting their focus to new subjects and adding new courses to prepare for the upcoming entrance exams.

Candidates participating in the 2025 high school graduation exam. Photo: The Dai

This is causing many candidates to worry about losing the opportunity to get into their dream majors. Nguyen Huyen Dieu (a 12th-grade student at Hoai Duc A High School, Hanoi ) shared: "From the 10th grade, students have already determined their subject combinations for the university entrance exam. Currently, many universities are planning to drop combinations like C00, A01... which is a disadvantage for students. This is a really difficult challenge because there isn't much time left to prepare for the exam. Switching exam subjects within a few months is very difficult and will certainly narrow students' chances of getting into their dream majors and universities."

Surprised and worried about having to choose the C00 subject combination (Literature, History, Geography) from grade 10 to apply to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), Nguyen Trang Nhung (a 12th-grade student at Yen Phong No. 1 High School, Bac Ninh) expressed: "I've been focusing on Literature, History, and Geography for the past two years. Now, many majors at the university will no longer consider the C00 combination, so I have to study Math or English as well, which increases the pressure a lot."

This shift aligns with internationalization practices and strategies.

Commenting on this issue, Dr. Nguyen Tung Lam, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Educational Psychology, said that the removal of the C00 subject group is to align with the internationalization strategy of the curriculum and comply with new regulations. Accordingly, educational institutions are not allowed to allocate quotas according to each subject group or admission method.

"If universities continue to use the C00 subject combination for admissions with high average scores and a large number of applicants, they risk creating an imbalance between different subject combinations, disadvantaging students who choose other combinations," Dr. Lam commented.

Associate Professor Dang Hong Son, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) , believes this is a necessary step. The university's policy aligns with Resolution 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training development, which includes the goal of making English the second language in schools. Achieving this goal in the next few years requires initial, challenging changes like the ones the university is currently implementing.

"The policy of using subject combinations including a foreign language and abolishing the C00 admission method for some previously existing majors was planned for the 2025 admission season. However, due to time constraints, the school has not yet implemented it. This year, the school has carefully considered the interests of students, and will release the list of subject combinations for admission in early December," Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son further explained.

The University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) - a leading institution in the field of social sciences in Vietnam. Photo: VNU.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son, in addition to traditional and basic sciences, the university is strongly developing social sciences and humanities in a modern direction. These fields are developing very rapidly, requiring updated theories and new teaching methods. Consequently, training practice is difficult because the Vietnamese versions of the textbooks have not been updated in time, especially for students with weak foreign language skills. This therefore places a high demand on English language proficiency.

"We anticipated that removing the C00 subject combination would have some impact on the school's admissions. However, the school accepts this in order to select candidates who are suitable for the training practices, thereby improving quality," Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son emphasized.

Responding to concerns that this adjustment might cause many students to miss out on university opportunities, the Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities affirmed that candidates still have enough time to adjust their study strategies before the 2026 admissions period.

Accordingly, candidates can consider two options:

Firstly , candidates can adjust their chosen field of study based on their personal strengths and interests. Specifically, if their preferred field of study no longer accepts applications based on the C00 combination (Literature; History; Geography), candidates can switch to the D00 combination (Mathematics; Literature; English) to access similar fields of study that still align with their established career goals.

Secondly , students who are capable of and enjoy subjects in the C00 group can broaden their field of study options.

"If a candidate excels in History and Geography but their intended major no longer accepts applications based on the C00 subject combination, they can absolutely switch to majors that still maintain this combination. At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, many majors still accept applications based on the C00 subject combination," advised Associate Professor Dr. Dang Hong Son.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/bo-to-hop-c00-chuyen-gia-chi-cach-dieu-chinh-de-dam-bao-quyen-loi-cho-thi-sinh-238251211143100547.htm