Grade 10 entrance exam in Ho Chi Minh City: Predicted increase in cut-off scores.

After the 10th grade entrance exams in Ho Chi Minh City concluded, based on the difficulty level of the exam questions, teachers predicted that the cut-off scores would increase.

Easy to understand questions, high score distribution.

Yesterday, June 2nd, approximately 151,000 candidates in Ho Chi Minh City completed the entrance exam for 10th grade in the 2026-2027 school year.

Through the exams, most teachers acknowledged that this year's question design created a certain degree of differentiation, but it wasn't truly strong. Overall, the exam questions didn't offer many breakthroughs compared to previous years, but they still ensured safety and a relatively balanced assessment. It's clear that the questions were designed to be common to all three regions, thus ensuring uniformity and a moderate level of differentiation.

Mr. Dang Huu Tri, head of the mathematics department at Nguyen Du Secondary School (Ben Thanh Ward), commented that the level of application in the exam had decreased compared to last year (from 40% to 30%). This is considered appropriate for the first exam after the merger, but it still requires candidates to have solid knowledge, good test-taking skills, and a reasonable level of reasoning to achieve high scores.

According to Mr. Tri, in this year's 10th grade math exam, only question 7c requires critical thinking and reasoning. The average score will be between 7 and 8.5 points. A perfect score of 10 will be achieved if students demonstrate good thinking skills and present their answers carefully.

Similarly, teacher Dang Hoang Du, who teaches 9th grade math in Hanh Thong Ward, said that this year's 10th grade math exam in Ho Chi Minh City is easier and more accessible than last year's. He predicts that the score distribution for math this year will be concentrated in the 7-8.5 point range. The number of perfect scores (10 points) is expected to be higher than last year.

Students taking the 10th grade entrance exam in Ho Chi Minh City are confident with the test questions, which are considered easy to understand.

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Regarding the Literature subject, Master Tran Nguyen Tuan Huy, head of the Literature department at Tran Boi Co Secondary School (Cho Lon Ward), assessed that the difficulty level of the 2026 exam was designed to be moderate, within the capabilities of students, while still ensuring differentiation. This is a reasonable choice in the context of a common exam for students from three areas with different learning conditions after the merger.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Hong Nhung, a teacher at Dong Hoa Secondary School (Dong Hoa Ward), the English exam questions were clearly and directly structured, without any misleading or "trap" elements. The exam did not include tricky or overly complex questions, creating opportunities for students with average to above-average academic abilities to demonstrate their skills and achieve good results.

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Doan Trang, Principal of Tran Van On Secondary School (Tan Dinh Ward), predicted that the average scores for all subjects this year will increase.

The cut-off score may be 2-3 points higher than the previous school year.

Based on his analysis of the exam questions, teacher Dang Huu Tri predicts that the average cut-off scores for 10th grade admission at many high schools will increase significantly, possibly by about 2-3 points compared to the previous school year.

Ms. Tran Thi Van, homeroom teacher of class 9/1 at Nguyen Du Secondary School (Ben Thanh Ward), predicts that the general score range will be 6-7.5 points; good and excellent students will achieve 8-9 points; and scores of 9.5-10 points may belong to outstanding students applying for specialized/integrated classes, accounting for a moderate percentage. This teacher also predicts that the cut-off score for grade 10 may increase by about 2 points or more compared to last year.

Mr. Vo Cao Thang, a math teacher at Ha Huy Tap Secondary School (Dong Hung Thuan Ward), predicts that the average math score will be favorable, around 7. "Every year, math is usually the subject that drags down the admission scores of candidates. However, with this year's exam, the math scores will be high. It is expected that the cut-off score may remain the same or increase by about 0.5 points."

More specifically, Mr. Huynh Thanh Phu, Principal of Bui Thi Xuan High School (Ben Thanh Ward), said that the exam felt relatively easy for candidates, but to achieve a score of 7.5 or higher, candidates must possess solid knowledge and skills. The average scores for the 10th grade entrance exam may be higher than last year, therefore the cut-off scores for 10th grade in top 3 schools may increase by the highest margin, around 2 points. For mid-tier and top-tier schools, the increase may range from 0.5 to 1 point.

The grading of 10th grade exams will officially begin on June 5th and be completed on June 9th.

Photo: Ngoc Duong

THERE WILL BE GUIDELINES ON TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT FOLLOWING THIS YEAR'S EXAM.

In the first exam after the merger, the knowledge and competency requirements of the 10th grade entrance exam were considered appropriate.

A math teacher in central Ho Chi Minh City expressed: "This year's exam questions are very much in line with the spirit of the district merger. The questions closely follow the professional training sessions of the Department of Education, and are flexible and innovative to suit the practical situation of Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, teaching in subsequent years needs to focus more on thoroughly reinforcing students' understanding of basic problem types and helping them grasp the knowledge to solve real-world math problems effectively. Further strengthening students' geometry problem-solving skills is also crucial."

Speaking with a reporter from Thanh Nien newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, said that with the results of this year's 10th grade entrance exam, the Department will conduct a professional assessment. Based on that, specific guidance will be issued regarding the direction of teaching, learning, testing, and evaluation at relevant educational levels. This includes specific professional guidance related to the requirements and scope of assessment for the 10th grade entrance exam in the next academic year.

Grade 10 exam results will be announced after June 12th; check them on thanhnien.vn.

Speaking to a reporter from Thanh Nien newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Van Phong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, said that all exam papers of approximately 151,000 candidates taking the 10th grade entrance exam will be transported to Zone 1 (formerly Ho Chi Minh City) for grading. The city has mobilized about 3,000 officials, teachers, and staff to participate in the 10th grade exam grading process.

After the process of assigning codes to exam papers is completed by June 4th, the grading of 10th grade exams will officially begin on June 5th and be finished on June 9th.

However, after June 9th, officials must continue to participate in the work of serving the high school graduation exam. Therefore, after the high school graduation exam ends, after June 12th, the Department of Education and Training will carry out the process of matching answer sheets and compiling scores for the 10th grade exam. This process is expected to last 3-4 days, and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training will announce the 10th grade exam results immediately afterward.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thi-lop-10-tai-tphcm-du-doan-diem-chuan-tang-185260602212044039.htm