Many universities stop considering admission for group C: Lack of responsibility towards candidates

Close to the time of the 2025 High School Graduation Exam, nearly 20 universities suddenly announced that they would stop recruiting for group C00 (including 3 subjects: Literature, History, Geography), causing confusion for many students and parents.

Tens of thousands of candidates are psychologically affected.

Among the universities that caused the most "shock" with the information about removing the C00 group in the admission process, we must mention the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi. This school, which is considered the "capital" of the C00 group, has announced that it will remove the C00 group for admission in 17/28 majors/training programs. Instead, these majors will prioritize groups with Math or Foreign Languages. The University of Law - VNU Hanoi also announced the removal of the C00 group. Instead, the school will use 6 other groups, including C03 (Math, Literature, History), A07 (Math, History, Geography), A01 (Math, Physics, English), D01 (Math, Literature, English), D14 (Literature, History, English) and D15 (Literature, Geography, English). The same situation also occurred at Hanoi University of Procuracy and Academy of Journalism and Communication...

The simultaneous removal of the C00 group from top universities has dealt a heavy blow to the psychology of tens of thousands of students. Nguyen Thuy Van (grade 12 student at Quynh Tho High School, Thai Binh) shared that since grade 10, she had planned to study for the C00 group with the goal of pursuing Journalism at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi . However, the information that the school would not consider the C00 group in this year's admissions made Thuy Van confused.

Van shared: "Because I had an initial orientation, during my time in high school, I studied in class and took extra classes very seriously. However, the changes at the time of the exam made it almost impossible for me to pursue the school and major that I love." Thuy Van said that she will most likely have to change her application plan to enroll in Journalism but at another university.

In recent days, witnessing her daughter's confusion over the news of the school's change in admissions methods, Ms. Nguyen Thi Xoan (Thuy Van's parent) could not hide her indignation. According to Ms. Xoan, the school's announcement of a change in admissions combinations when the exam was approaching left not only her daughter but many other students in a situation where they could not react in time. "In my opinion, this is an unfair and irresponsible decision towards candidates," Ms. Xoan shared.

Not learner-centered

Speaking with PNVN Newspaper, Dr. Le Viet Khuyen, Vice President of the Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges, said that the announcement by some universities to remove the traditional admission combination C00 right before the 2025 High School Graduation Exam is not wrong in theory, but inappropriate in practice.

Mr. Khuyen further analyzed that the 2025 High School Graduation Exam is the first exam to be applied according to the new General Education Program issued in 2018. Therefore, in case schools change their admission methods, they should announce it 3 years ago, right at the time students enter high school. "This will help candidates be proactive in choosing and reviewing for the exam, because up to now, students still have the habit of choosing and reviewing for the exam according to traditional, key combinations such as A00, B00, C00 and D00. Such a late announcement makes it difficult for candidates to adapt and 'turn around' to change their review direction," Mr. Khuyen shared.

Dr. Le Viet Khuyen, Vice President of the Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges. Photo: NVCC

The Vice President of the Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges emphasized that many schools have the right to change their exam subjects, but that right must go hand in hand with explanation. "Why is there such a change? Is that change necessary and does it ensure the rights of students? In my opinion, the fact that many schools have changed their exam subjects has moved away from the student-centered principle and is moving closer to the school-centered principle. This is really not okay ! ", said Mr. Khuyen.

This expert also said that, based on the explanations of the schools, the Ministry of Education and Training, as a state management agency, will have to consider. Specifically, according to Mr. Khuyen, the Ministry of Education and Training needs to have timely and drastic instructions. Universities need to learn from experience, announce early enrollment plans and admission combinations so that candidates have enough time to prepare. At the same time, there needs to be a flexible mechanism to support candidates affected by this sudden change, ensuring the fairest and most transparent enrollment period for all students.

In addition, Mr. Khuyen said that there is also a need for a frank and responsible dialogue between the Ministry of Education and Training, universities, and the student community and parents to find the most optimal solution, putting the interests of learners first. This will not only help students overcome the current difficult period but also build trust in a fair and humaneeducation system.

Sharing the same view, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh, former Principal of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, also said that schools should announce early changes in enrollment plans and admission combinations so that students can promptly make adjustments in their review and exam plans. In order for the changes not to affect students, there must be a clear and transparent roadmap and, especially, must ensure the legitimate rights of students.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh, former Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Photo: NVCC

Previously, the Ministry of Education and Training had to "patch a loophole" in similar regulations when in 2022, many universities announced adjustments to their admission plans and combinations at the end of the school year, causing frustration for candidates and society. In June 2022, the Ministry of Education and Training issued Circular No. 08 on university and college admission regulations for preschool education, which stipulates that changes and additions to admission methods or combinations must have a reasonable basis and roadmap; the removal of an admission method or combination must be announced at least one year before the registration period opens. However, in March 2025, the Ministry of Education and Training issued Circular 06 amending Circular 08, which removed the above regulation.

The representative of the Ministry of Education and Training said that this unit has discussed with schools and noted that training institutions have adjusted the admission combination appropriately, ensuring the rights of candidates. The Ministry of Education and Training also requires schools to promptly inform candidates after making adjustments, as well as explain to society. The spirit is that although schools are autonomous and responsible for admission, it must be reasonable and ensure the best interests of candidates .

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nhieu-truong-dai-hoc-bo-xet-tuyen-khoi-c-thieu-trach-nhiem-voi-thi-sinh-2025060615071331.htm