Ho Chi Minh City is preparing to announce exam scores and benchmark scores for 10th grade enrollment into public high schools. After that, admitted students will carry out enrollment procedures at the beginning of the new school year, including selecting subject combinations according to the 2018 General Education Program.
According to the 2018 General Education Program, 10th grade students must study 8 compulsory subjects including: Literature; Mathematics; Foreign Language 1; Physical education; National defense and security education; Experiential activities, career guidance; Local education and History.
In addition to compulsory subjects, students will be able to choose 4 subjects out of 9 subjects including: Geography; Economic and Legal Education; Physics; Chemistry; Biology; Technology; Informatics; Music; Fine Arts. In addition, students also have to choose different study topics.
Choosing a subject combination is important because this is the basis for students to develop their abilities and strengths, and also creates a foundation for choosing a university and career admission combination later. If choosing is not suitable for their abilities or interests, students may encounter difficulties in the learning process, and may even have to change career orientation.
Mr. Nguyen Hung Khuong - Principal of Ten Lo Man High School - said that in fact, there have been cases of students choosing subject combinations that are not suitable for their abilities and passions. After being admitted to university, she realized that the major was not in line with her interests, so she had to stop studying to review and retake the exam in a different direction.
According to education experts, students should not choose subject combinations just because friends register or follow temporary trends. Instead, students need to consider the balance between academic ability, personal interests and future career orientation. Parents should also accompany and support their children to learn about careers and university admission methods to make appropriate decisions.
Previously, to prepare for the new school year, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training requested high schools not to build "hard" subject combinations when enrolling in grade 10.
The Department's leaders emphasized that principals of schools are not allowed to pre-impose subject combinations according to the subjective will of the school before conducting enrollment. Building pre-defined combinations will limit students' choice rights, not reflecting the needs, abilities and personal orientation in the spirit of the 2018 general education program.
The 10th grade entrance exam for the 2026-2027 school year in Ho Chi Minh City took place in two days, June 1st and 2nd, with about 151,000 candidates participating. This is the first year the exam is organized in Ho Chi Minh City after implementing administrative unit arrangement, merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau.
In the 2026-2027 school year, public high schools in Ho Chi Minh City will enroll about 118,500 students. With about 151,000 candidates taking the exam, the admission rate to public schools reached about 78%.
