Those who "take the exam alongside the candidates" but do not have registration numbers.

A late May morning in Hanoi. As the drum sounded signaling the start of the first exam, the school gates closed behind the candidates. Inside the examination room were blank sheets of paper, tense eyes, and 120 minutes of decisive action. But outside those gates, another "exam" was also beginning.

There were no exam papers, no registration numbers, and no one to grade them. Yet, there were people standing for hours in the sun, monitoring every little detail to ensure the exam proceeded safely, orderly, and smoothly. They were police officers, security guards, medical staff, volunteers, janitors... people silently "taking the exam alongside the students" in their own way.

This morning, all candidates participating in the entrance exam for 10th grade in public high schools for the 2026-2027 school year will complete their final exam, concluding this important exam after months of preparation. (Photo: MK)

The Silent Gatekeepers

At many examination centers in Hanoi , preparations for the exam day began very early. While families were dropping their children off at the centers, police officers were stationed on the roads leading to the examination areas to regulate traffic.

Amidst the bustling morning traffic, hands constantly gestured to direct traffic and reminded parents to park in designated areas. Just one car parked in the wrong spot or a small traffic jam could cause many candidates behind to be late.

Captain Nguyen Minh Hieu, an officer of the Dong Anh Commune Police, said that the biggest pressure comes from unexpected situations that arise on the way to the exam site.

"We always have to be proactive from early on to avoid congestion or incidents that affect the candidates. This is a special task, so everyone is determined to do their best," Mr. Hieu shared.

Mr. Chu Thanh Ha, the security team leader at the Ngo Quyen Secondary School exam site in Dong Anh commune, checks electrical equipment before the exam begins. Photo: MK

Inside the school gate, security guards also began their long shifts. Mr. Chu Thanh Ha, the security team leader at the Ngo Quyen Secondary School exam site in Dong Anh commune, has hardly left his post since the days leading up to the exam.

From checking electricity and fans, opening gates to welcome candidates, to maintaining order in the examination area, these seemingly simple tasks always require careful attention. Some candidates arrive at the last minute, some are flustered because they forgot their documents; all need quick guidance while still adhering to regulations. "We try to handle everything smoothly so that the students don't feel any added pressure before the exam," Mr. Ha said.

In another corner of the examination center, the small medical room was already lit up early. On the table were medicines, first aid supplies, sugar water, and other items needed for emergencies.

Ms. Nguyen Hai Yen, a medical staff member at the Gia Thuy Secondary School examination center in Bo De ward. Photo: MK

Ms. Nguyen Hai Yen, a medical staff member at the Gia Thuy Secondary School examination site in Bo De ward, said that each examination session is fully prepared with medical supplies, equipment, and health support plans for the candidates.

"Some students haven't had breakfast, some are too nervous and anxious as soon as they arrive at school. Our job is to help them stabilize their health and spirits so they can enter the exam room in the best possible state," Ms. Hang shared.

They didn't appear on the podium, nor were their names on the list of candidates. But it was these very people who created a "soft barrier" to ensure the exam ran safely and smoothly.

Maintaining a consistent pace for a successful exam

While the police, security guards, and medical personnel ensure the safety of the exam, the volunteers in blue uniforms provide timely support and encouragement to the candidates.

From early morning, they were present at the examination sites to guide students through the exam room layout, distribute drinking water, assist parents, and answer any final questions before they entered the rooms.

Amidst the tense atmosphere of an exam, sometimes a simple phrase like, "Stay calm, there's still time," can be a valuable source of encouragement for many candidates.

Do Trong Lam, a student from the Water Resources University, at the exam center at Phan Huy Chu High School - Dong Da, Lang Ward, said that the task, though seemingly simple, requires a high level of concentration.

"This morning, one student arrived just before the exam, looking very anxious. I only had time to encourage them and quickly guide them to the exam site so they could arrive on time," Lam recounted.

Captain Nguyen Minh Hieu, an officer of the Dong Anh Commune Police, directs and guides people to park in designated areas at the entrance to the Viet Hung Secondary School exam site in Dong Anh Commune. Photo: MK

Even less mentioned are the janitors and service staff who silently work behind the classrooms. Before each exam, they inspect each classroom, clean the hallways and restrooms, arrange desks and chairs, and ensure that the lighting and fans are working properly.

While the candidates were taking the exam, they quietly continued working in the back areas. When the bell rang signaling the end of the exam, they resumed cleaning up and preparing for the next exam.

No one called out their names on the notice board. But the cleanliness, order, and stability of the examination site were created by those very quiet footsteps.

Even after the candidates finished their exams and returned home, many of them were still busy. Some were sweeping the exam rooms, others collecting supplies, and still others checking the facilities for the next day's exam.

Janitorial staff at the examination site quietly carried out cleaning and facility preparation tasks, contributing to ensuring a clean and orderly examination environment throughout the 10th grade entrance exam. Photo: MK

The 10th grade entrance exam is therefore not just a story about hundreds of thousands of candidates. Behind each exam is the collective effort of many people who don't have exam registration numbers, who don't take the exam, but still bear the responsibility of another "exam."

Quietly, persistently, and dedicatedly, they are contributing to creating a safe, orderly, and fulfilling exam season for students in the capital city.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/nhung-nguoi-thi-cung-si-tu-nhung-khong-co-so-bao-danh-976404.html