'Math score distribution in 2025 will no longer be skewed towards the high-scoring group'

The distribution of scores for the 2025 high school graduation math exam is more balanced than that of the previous three years. Experts say this shows that the exam has a clearer differentiation, and candidates must have real thinking, reasoning, and analysis to be able to do it.

According to the 2025 high school graduation exam score distribution announced by the Ministry of Education and Training, 1,126,172 candidates took the Mathematics exam, and the average score achieved by these candidates was 4.78. In contrast, the average score for Mathematics in 2024 was 6.45.

Many experts believe that the distribution of scores for the Mathematics subject in the 2025 high school graduation exam is more balanced than in previous years.

Associate Professor Tran Dang Hung from Hanoi University of Industry commented that the distribution of scores in Mathematics in 2025 is relatively standard in terms of exam results. Nationwide, there were 513 perfect scores (10 points), while in 2024 there were no perfect scores.

Candidates complain that the math exam was difficult, yet over 500 papers received a perfect score of 10; there will be no perfect scores in 2024.

The standard deviation in 2024 was 1.56 and this year is 1.68. This reflects a wider spectrum and greater differentiation in math scores compared to last year.

According to Mr. Hung, if we compare the distribution of math scores over the past four years (2022-2025), we can see that the distribution in the previous three years was skewed towards the back (high-score group). This year, the distribution is more balanced.

In Mathematics, the provinces with the highest average scores in 2025 include: Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh ,...

Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc, Chairman of the University Council of the University of Technology - VNU Hanoi, believes that the most encouraging aspect is the differentiation in the distribution of scores for the Mathematics subject. “In some years, the score distribution indicated an easy exam, resulting in high scores. This year, the exam was more difficult than in previous years. In 2024, when the Ministry of Education and Training released the mock exam, we analyzed that the exam would be more difficult, but candidates may not have noticed at that time. Specifically, the exam led to a lower average score compared to previous years. Personally, I assess that the exam met the requirements of the exam very well, with a very clear differentiation. This differentiation in the score distribution also helps to reshape the learning of Mathematics at the high school level. This is a very important point for universities to consider,” said Professor Duc.

Comparisons show that the "discrepancy" in the high-scoring group has decreased in the 2025 mathematics score distribution.

Mr. Duc stated that while candidates complained that this year's math exam was difficult, the score distribution showed that more than 500 papers achieved a perfect score of 10, whereas last year no papers reached this level.

Ms. Nguyen Boi Quynh, Principal of Viet Duc High School (Hanoi), also said that she was initially very worried about the exam results when there was public opinion about the Math subject, saying that "candidates couldn't do it." "But looking at the score distribution, I'm very happy. Because with Math, in the past, with multiple-choice exams, candidates could use some tricks and shortcuts to calculate, even choosing the correct answer using reverse calculation. But with the exam format in 2025, which differentiates knowledge areas, it requires students to have good, solid knowledge to be able to do the test," Ms. Quynh said.

Candidates must possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills to be able to answer these questions.

According to Professor Thai Van Thanh, Director of the Nghe An Department of Education and Training, analysis of the score distribution, compared with previous years, shows that the average values ​​for most subjects have decreased, while the standard deviation has increased. "This indicates a very high degree of differentiation in the exam questions, accurately assessing the actual abilities of teaching and learning," said Professor Thanh.

Professor Thai Van Thanh, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Nghe An Province.

Mr. Thanh further shared: "After the Math exam, some candidates said it was difficult, but in reality, if assessed scientifically, the difficulty level shouldn't be based on feelings or perceptions, but rather on evaluating the objectives, differentiation, reliability, and value of the multiple-choice questions. In my opinion, the exam accurately assesses the required learning outcomes and has high reliability. This value will help universities select high-quality candidates to meet the demand for high-quality human resources."

Mr. Thanh stated that, in reality, for the Mathematics subject, the Nghe An education sector has also confirmed to parents, students, and teachers that the exam will focus on assessing mathematical competence and the application of knowledge to practical situations. "Therefore, it will be more difficult than the previous approach of assessing knowledge. This is the first time we've designed an exam based on competency assessment, using modern methods that are close to international standards. Therefore, students may not be familiar with this approach and may find it difficult. But based on the exam results and the analysis of the score distribution, I am very happy and satisfied, because the score distribution is very good and accurately reflects the students' abilities. From these results, we, as education managers in the localities, will make innovations in directing teaching and learning in schools," Mr. Thanh said.

Dr. Quách Tuấn Ngọc, former Director of the Information Technology Department (Ministry of Education and Training), also shared the same opinion, stating that the distribution of scores in Mathematics was relatively balanced, with the average score of candidates falling in the middle. "In previous years' Math exams, all questions were multiple-choice, so candidates could 'guess randomly' and still get points. But this year's Math exam is not simply multiple-choice anymore; candidates must use critical thinking, analysis, and reasoning to answer the questions correctly," Dr. Ngọc said.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/pho-diem-mon-toan-tot-nghiep-thpt-2025-khong-con-lech-ve-phia-nhom-diem-cao-2422115.html