Today, May 5th, is the deadline for candidates to register for the 2026 high school graduation exam. Of the 1,203,668 registered candidates as of the end of the afternoon on May 3rd, 1,146,334 (95.24%) are currently in 12th grade, and 57,334 (4.76%) are independent candidates.
These changes require careful consideration.
Regarding registration methods, 1,186,513 candidates registered online (accounting for 98.57%), while 17,158 candidates registered in person (accounting for 1.43%). The number of candidates exempted from the foreign language exam was 8,065, accounting for 0.67%. The number of candidates registering to take foreign language exams remained high, at nearly 350,000.
According to initial reports from the Ministry of Education and Training , the exam registration system is operating stably, with virtually no difficulties encountered by candidates. Notably, this year 100% of candidates, including independent candidates, can register online.
This year's high school graduation exam sees several changes compared to 2025. According to Mr. Huynh Van Chuong, Director of the Quality Management Department, Ministry of Education and Training, the most significant change in the 2026 exam registration form is the different provincial and city codes compared to 2025 due to the merger and operation of a two-tiered local government system. Candidates will look up the new provincial and commune codes according to Decision No. 19/2025/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister . This year, the Ministry of Education and Training has also expanded the list of foreign language certificates that exempt candidates from the high school graduation exam. This includes adding the TOPIK Korean language certificate level 3 or higher. In previous years, this list only included certificates in English, Russian, French, Chinese, German, and Japanese, although Korean was also one of the exam subjects. For English certificates, the Ministry has added the Versant English Placement Test (VEPT) with a minimum requirement of 43 points.
Candidates taking the 2025 high school graduation exam. Photo: CA LINH
Another important change is that the Ministry of Education and Training has integrated the exam notification slip and exam card into a single document called "Exam Notification Slip"; and combined the temporary graduation certificate and exam results certificate into a "Exam Results Certificate," issued by the high school where the candidate registered. Furthermore, the deadline for submitting appeals has been reduced to 5 days instead of 10 days as before. According to the Ministry, this aims to announce results earlier, facilitating university and college admissions.
Another change is that the Ministry of Education and Training has altered the re-marking process. If a test score is changed by 0.25 points or more, the re-marker and the original marker must have a direct dialogue. Previously, only a difference of 0.5 points required a dialogue.
In addition, the priority categories have been adjusted to align with the two-tiered local government model and to be consistent with the priority groups in university and college admissions, making it easier for agencies to review them. In cases where ethnic minority students study in particularly disadvantaged communes for at least two-thirds of their high school years, they will receive an additional 0.5 priority points, instead of having to study for all three years as before.
The final change is an enhancement of information technology applications in exam organization; this includes optimizing data transmission between exam boards and the ministry through the exam management system, reducing manual tasks such as sending CDs by mail , and increasing processing speed.
The exam now places greater emphasis on applying knowledge.
The 2026 high school graduation exam is scheduled to take place over two days, June 11th and 12th, two weeks earlier than in previous years, with nearly 2,500 examination centers, over 120,000 officials and teachers, and the participation of many forces. Police forces will be present at all key stages, including ensuring security during exam preparation, printing, transportation, and storage; supervising invigilation and marking. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the large scale, multiple stages, and involvement of many forces pose significant challenges in ensuring security, safety, and preventing malpractice and cheating.
To be considered for high school graduation, candidates must take four subjects: two compulsory subjects (mathematics and literature) and two elective subjects from those studied in high school (including physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, economics and law, informatics, industrial technology, agricultural technology, and foreign language). Candidates may register to take a foreign language different from the one they studied in high school. Candidates applying for university or college admission register for subjects according to their preferences. For the elective subjects, candidates can choose a maximum of two subjects, for a total of four subjects.
The Ministry of Education and Training announced that the 2026 high school graduation exam will continue to be designed closely following the curriculum content, with increased emphasis on applying knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems. The ratio of different levels of thinking in the exam will be maintained according to a 4:3:3 structure, corresponding to the levels of knowing, understanding, and applying, to ensure differentiation and accurate assessment of students' abilities.
Of the 17 subjects in the high school graduation exam, Literature is in essay format; the remaining subjects are in multiple-choice format, with question types including: multiple choice, true/false, and short answer.
The Ministry of Education and Training recommends that educational institutions, teachers, and students proactively use the sample exam and the 2025 high school graduation exam as reference materials during teaching, review, and preparation for the 2026 exam. The Ministry of Education and Training also notes that this year's high school graduation exam will be conducted entirely according to the 2018 General Education Program. Independent candidates who studied under the 2006 General Education Program must comply with the requirements of the new program when registering for the exam.
Errors were corrected at the examination site.
According to the Ministry of Education and Training, before filling out the exam registration form, candidates need to carefully read the sections and instructions for filling out the form, and check the accuracy of the information about the exam and subjects because no adjustments will be allowed after 5 PM on May 5th.
Candidates should retain their registration forms to receive their examination notices and result certificates. In case of errors in registration information or loss of examination notices, candidates should bring their registration forms directly to the examination center during the regulations briefing session to request corrections and complete the examination procedures.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/thi-sinh-dang-ky-thi-thpt-cao-ky-luc-19626050420214908.htm
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