On January 16, in a quick exchange with Lao Dong reporters, Mr. Nguyen Van Chien - Director of Son La Department of Education and Training said that after receiving opinions from management officials, teachers, parents and people, the province has not organized the third exam in the form of a combined exam in the 10th grade high school entrance exam for the 2026-2027 school year.
Previously, in Official Dispatch No. 12/SGDDT-QLCLGD dated January 5, 2026, the Son La Department of Education and Training informed that it is expected to choose the third exam as a combined exam, including subjects: English, Natural Sciences and History - Geography.
This content was raised to seek broad opinions from educational institutions, teachers, parents and related units.
Through summarizing opinions, the majority believe that the combined exam is necessary, in line with the trend of assessing learners' abilities, contributing to limiting the situation of rote learning, skewed learning and promoting comprehensive teaching and learning of subjects in schools.
However, many opinions also believe that the immediate application in the 10th grade entrance exam for the 2026-2027 school year is not appropriate, because educational institutions, teachers and students need more time to get used to the new exam format, prepare their mindset and knowledge in a complete and systematic way.
Based on receiving feedback, the Son La Department of Education and Training determined that it has not advised and submitted to the Provincial People's Committee to organize a third exam in the form of a combined exam in the 10th grade high school entrance exam for the 2026-2027 school year.
We will continue to review and adjust related contents, fully assess the impact of the combined exam form and choose a more appropriate implementation time in the following school years," Mr. Chien said.
Son La Department of Education and Training also requested educational institutions in the area, especially secondary schools, to continue to implement the general education program to ensure uniformity, effectiveness and quality.
It is not because of changes or plans to change exam plans that there is a situation of tutoring and self-study.
