Note the new points in the 2026 separate exam

The number of universities using the results of thinking and capacity assessment exams has continuously increased in recent years, leading to an increase in the number of candidates registering to take these exams compared to previous years.

Candidates check information before taking the capacity assessment exam organized by Ho Chi Minh City National University in 2025. Photo: VNUHCM.

Computer-based test, sample test

The Hanoi National University HSA test is conducted on a computer with a duration of 195 minutes, consisting of two compulsory parts: Mathematics and Data Processing (50 questions, 75 minutes) and Literature - Language (50 questions, 60 minutes). The third part of the test, candidates choose between Science and English (50 questions, 60 minutes). Each test may have a number of test questions that are not scored, the system will automatically add to the test time. The results are announced two weeks after the end of the test. The digital score report can be looked up online, while the paper version will be sent by post within three weeks if the candidate registers to receive it.

The 2026 HAS exams will take place from March 7 to May 24, 2026 in Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh. Candidates can register for the exam from the end of December 2025. The exam subjects are grade 12 students following the current general education program.

Currently, about 100 universities nationwide use HSA results for admission. To ensure equivalence between admission methods, Hanoi National University has analyzed and converted score data, accordingly, 129/150 HSA points are determined to be equivalent to about 30 points for the A00 combination (Math, Physics, Chemistry) and 27.75 points for the D01 combination (Math, Literature, English) in the 2025 high school graduation exam.

Also taking the test on a computer in the form of a multiple-choice test, Hanoi University of Science and Technology announced that the TSA thinking assessment test consists of 3 parts: Mathematical Thinking (60 minutes), Reading Comprehension (30 minutes) and Scientific Thinking/Problem Solving (60 minutes). In 2026, there will be 3 TSA test sessions held on weekends with 3-4 test teams each at 30 test sites, expected to serve about 60,000 candidates. Candidates are currently registering for the test at the online system: https://tsa.hust.edu.vn until December 15, 2025 for the first round with test dates of January 24-25, 2026. Rounds 2 and 3 will take place between March and May 2026.

To support candidates, Hanoi University of Science and Technology has released the “TSA Thinking Assessment Test Handbook”. The book provides information on the test structure, review methods, illustrative examples, practice tests and instructions on using the test software. In particular, each book comes with 2 test codes for candidates to experience the practice test directly on the system, thereby self-assessing their abilities and making a suitable study plan.

The eBook version of the handbook is released for free at: https://nxbbachkhoa.vn/ebook/12334.

The exam is on paper and has a stable structure.

Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chinh - Director of the Center for Testing and Assessment of Training Quality (Ho Chi Minh City National University) said: In 2026, the exam will be organized in the form of objective multiple-choice tests on paper, maintaining the current exam structure and the content of the exam questions will continue to be improved and perfected towards international standards. The "scientific thinking" section is designed with a new approach, focusing on putting candidates in real-life situations, thereby measuring reasoning ability and encouraging critical and creative thinking.

Regarding time, Ho Chi Minh City National University will continue to organize two rounds of exams before the high school graduation exam at the same locations as in 2025, specifically in 15 provinces/cities (according to the provincial administrative units after the merger).

It is expected that technology will be strongly applied in the examination and marking to improve the accuracy and transparency of the examination. To minimize errors and prevent the recurrence of violations that have occurred, the units participating in organizing the examination will increase exchanges, guidance and supervision to ensure that the staff participating in the organization comply with the regulations and procedures of the examination.

In 2025, the number of units using the results of the competency assessment test by Ho Chi Minh City National University will continue to increase to 111 schools. Of which, 14,491 students will be admitted to Ho Chi Minh City National University through the competency assessment method. The rate of candidates admitted to Ho Chi Minh City National University through this method will reach 56.32% of the total quota of the entire system, a significant increase compared to this rate in 2024 (38.1%).

There is no official information about the 2026 Ministry of Public Security's competency assessment test, but candidates need to be mentally prepared if they wish to register for police schools. In 2025, the test will be structured in three parts: mandatory essay, mandatory multiple choice, and optional multiple choice. Candidates will take the test in 180 minutes in the form of a written test, with a total score of 100. 70% of the knowledge in the two multiple choice sections is at the 12th grade level, the rest is knowledge from grades 10 and 11. Questions at the level of recognition and understanding account for 30%, application level accounts for 50%, and the rest is high application.  

Lam An

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/luu-y-diem-moi-trong-bai-thi-rieng-nam-2026.html