High school graduation exam in 2026 will take place in early June, 15 days earlier than usual.

The Ministry of Education and Training has just issued the 2025-2026 school year time plan framework for preschool, general education and continuing education.

Graduation exam on June 11-12

According to the 2025-2026 school year schedule, the Ministry of Education and Training requires school to start at least 1 week before the opening day.

For grades 1, 9, and 12, school starts at least 2 weeks before the opening day. This adjustment helps grades 1, 9, and 12 prepare for the transition exam or graduation exam, and needs time to consolidate knowledge and form a study routine before entering the new school year.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for September 5, 2025.

Finish semester I before January 18, 2026, complete the program and end the school year before May 31, 2026.

Consider recognition of completion of primary school program and consider recognition of graduation from secondary school before June 30, 2026.

Complete enrollment for first grade classes by July 31, 2026.

The 2026 high school graduation exam is scheduled to take place on June 11 and 12, 2026. The planned earlier organization of the exam is consistent with the school year schedule, giving students time to review for the exam. At the same time, this schedule is also suitable for localities to organize the entrance exam for grade 10 before the high school graduation exam.

Other national exams are organized according to regulations and instructions of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Ensure 35 weeks of actual study

According to the Planning Framework, the school year of localities must ensure 35 weeks of actual study (semester I has 18 weeks, semester II has 17 weeks). The school year schedule must be suitable to the characteristics and practical conditions of the locality.

The decision also requires that holidays and Tet holidays be implemented according to the provisions of the Labor Code and annual guidance documents.

Teachers' annual leave is taken during the summer vacation or can be arranged alternately at other times of the year to suit the specific characteristics and school year schedule of the locality.

The Ministry of Education and Training recommends that the school year schedule must ensure consistency for all levels of education in a residential area, especially in general schools with many levels of education.

According to the Planning Framework, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province or centrally-run city decides on the school year schedule for preschool education , general education and continuing education in accordance with local realities.

The time to return to school early and the time to extend the school year shall not exceed 2 weeks compared to the provisions in Article 1 of this Decision to ensure the implementation and completion of preschool education, general education and continuing education programs in case of being affected by natural disasters or epidemics; in special cases, report to the Ministry of Education and Training before implementation.