Computer-based high school graduation exam: A major test.

The 2026 high school graduation exam will take place on June 11th and 12th. The Ministry of Education and Training will conduct a large-scale pilot program of computer-based testing in April and May.

On April 10th, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) organized a training conference on the organization and examination of the 2026 high school graduation exam.

Large-scale computer-based testing

At the conference, Mr. Huynh Van Chuong, Director of the Quality Management Department - Ministry of Education and Training, stated that in addition to preparing for this year's exam, the Ministry is urgently conducting large-scale computer-based testing in April and May. The Ministry of Education and Training is also finalizing a proposal for computer-based testing to submit to the Government , and simultaneously developing a system of legal documents related to organizing exams in this format.

Regarding the 2026 exam, Mr. Huynh Van Chuong stated that the format will remain stable as in the previous year. The exam will be streamlined with three sessions, and each candidate will take four subjects: two compulsory and two elective. Some notable adjustments this year include increased decentralization to reduce pressure on provincial Departments of Education and Training; and the integration of various documents such as exam notification slips, exam cards, and exam result certificates.

Colonel Nguyen Anh Tuan warned that exam cheating devices are becoming increasingly difficult to detect and are being sold widely. Photo: NGUYEN MANH

The exam regulations have also been adjusted to be stricter in the review process to ensure fairness and objectivity. Accordingly, all exam papers with changed scores (increases or decreases) during the review process must be discussed between the original and new examiners. Notably, this year, the Ministry of Education and Training will organize inspection teams to monitor the exam process in localities, mobilizing staff from local universities to participate.

The Ministry of Education and Training has also requested localities to proactively review facilities, especially in areas where exam papers are printed and coded; develop organizational plans suitable for the increased number of candidates; and prepare the necessary conditions for the implementation of computer-based testing in the near future.

The Ministry of Education and Training will open online exam registration from April 24th to May 5th. Prior to that, candidates can register for a trial period of 5 days to familiarize themselves with the process. Exam results are expected to be announced on July 1st, approximately 12 days earlier than in 2025.

Exam cheating is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The 2026 high school graduation exam is expected to take place at 2,500 testing locations with over 1 million candidates. An estimated 120,000 officials, teachers, and security personnel are expected to be mobilized to perform duties during the exam.

Speaking at the conference, Colonel Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Internal Political Security (A03) - Ministry of Public Security , acknowledged that the high school graduation exam always carries the potential for negative practices and cheating. In particular, cheating using high-tech devices continues to be a complex issue.

Colonel Nguyen Anh Tuan stated that cheating devices are becoming increasingly difficult to detect, such as miniature magnetic earpieces as small as a grain of rice, or even smaller, that can be inserted deep into the eardrum and require a magnet to remove. Some recording devices are disguised as buttons, eyeglass frames, rings, watch faces, or pocket calculators. "The buying and selling of these devices on social media is openly taking place, increasing the risk of compromising the safety and fairness of the exam. There have even been cases of people exploiting artificial intelligence applications to solve exam questions," Colonel Nguyen Anh Tuan expressed his concern.

Representatives from the Ministry of Public Security requested that police units, localities, and Departments of Education and Training continue to coordinate closely and implement comprehensive preventive measures from an early stage and from afar. Police forces should coordinate surveys and develop plans to ensure security, order, and traffic safety at locations where key activities of the exam take place, such as printing and copying exam papers, invigilation, and marking.

"It is necessary to intensify propaganda to raise awareness among candidates, parents, and invigilators; clearly explain that exam questions are classified as state secrets of the 'top secret' level, and any act of disclosing exam question information during the confidentiality period not only violates exam regulations but may also result in criminal liability," Colonel Nguyen Anh Tuan suggested.

Reviewing localities that are too lenient in their scoring system.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong acknowledged that in recent years, some localities have caused public concern regarding exam grading. For example, there were many students scoring 9 or 9.5 in Literature, whereas previously, it was rare for students specializing in Literature to achieve a score of 8. The Ministry of Education and Training has requested explanations from the provincial departments, but these explanations have not fully addressed the issue. "The reports all present reasons that seem plausible, such as well-organized review sessions... In terms of form, they are very convincing, but they are still not a basis for objective evaluation," Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong stated.

According to Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong, the Ministry of Education and Training will issue a document requesting the Quality Management Department to continue reviewing which provincial Departments of Education and Training had lax grading in exam subjects last year, in order to avoid a situation where one department is reprimanded this year but another is targeted next year. This aims to ensure fairness and prevent the pursuit of superficial achievements.

Organize at least two mock exams.

According to leaders of the Ministry of Education and Training, to achieve good results in the exam, localities and schools need to plan for teaching during the final preparation phase, reviewing by topic and in groups, in order to diversify learning methods for students. The Departments of Education and Training should direct schools to organize at least two mock high school graduation exams for students to provide a basis for comparison between the exams, thereby allowing schools to assess whether a student has made progress.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thi-tot-nghiep-thpt-tren-may-tinh-buoc-thu-lon-196260410211941139.htm