On October 31, on the sidelines of the conference to summarize the high school graduation exam for the period 2020-2024, Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, said that the spirit of the entrance exam for grade 10 will include 3 subjects. Of which, Math and Literature are 2 compulsory subjects. The third subject is chosen by localities from the remaining subjects and is assessed by scores, but with the principle that it will change every year to avoid rote learning and biased learning.

"The third exam can be repeated but at least 1 year apart," said Mr. Thuong.

Regarding the opinion that some localities want to enroll 10th graders in fixed subjects of Math - Literature - Foreign Language, Mr. Thuong said that this leads to some schools, even many schools from the beginning of the 9th grade school year, only focusing on these 3 subjects, while there are many subjects that require other knowledge and skills.

"The inspection and management of lopsided learning and rote learning have been carried out according to decentralization. In practice, through the inspection work of the Ministry, we have seen the phenomenon of lopsided learning and rote learning..." - said Mr. Thuong.

Mr. Thuong said that parents do not need to worry about the 10th grade exam. Students can study normally and pass the exam. Education must ensure that the program output has enough quality and capacity in all subjects, not just Literature - Math - English.

Regarding Ho Chi Minh City’s proposal to maintain the stability of the 10th grade entrance exam, Deputy Minister Thuong said that the 10th grade entrance exam is carried out according to regulations and is common nationwide. According to him, students have been studying English from primary school to grade 12, and if they want, they can even study it for life.

'Choosing the 3rd subject for grade 10 entrance exam: Should be fixed as Foreign Language'

Teacher Nguyen Xuan Khang believes that education needs to be clear, transparent and stable for many years. Therefore, the third subject must be fixed, preferably a foreign language.

Ministry of Education and Training abandons proposal to draw lots for third subject in 10th grade entrance exam

The Ministry of Education and Training has just solicited opinions on the draft Regulations on Secondary School and High School Admissions for the 2024-2025 school year. 60/63 provinces and cities have agreed to test 3 subjects: Math, Literature and a third subject for the 10th grade entrance exam. This plan is to reduce pressure and is suitable for reality.