On June 11 and 12, more than 1.22 million candidates nationwide will enter the 2026 high school graduation exam - the largest exam ever. Notably, this is the first year to organize the exam when implementing the two-level local government model. Therefore, the preparation and organization of the exam are receiving special attention from society.
Before the exam, Lao Dong Newspaper had an interview with Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong - Standing Deputy Minister of Education and Training, Head of the National Steering Committee for the 2026 high school graduation exam.
Please tell us how the preparation for the exam has been organized and implemented nationwide up to this point?
- Through the direction and monitoring of the Ministry of Education and Training, the Provincial Steering Committee for the exam and reports from localities, it can be affirmed that up to this point, the preparation for the 2026 high school graduation exam has been carried out thoughtfully, proactively and urgently nationwide.
First of all, leadership and direction work was deployed early through the issuance of guiding documents and the establishment of steering committees and specialized departments.
Second, the coordination between units is carried out smoothly and smoothly.
Third, professional training has been thoroughly deployed; all forces participating in organizing the exam have been fully trained.
Fourth, communication work is carried out proactively and promptly to provide information to the press, and at the same time prepare plans to handle possible situations.
This year, the number of candidates has increased, and this is also the first year to organize the exam in the context of implementing the two-level local government model. In that context, what directives has the Ministry of Education and Training given to localities to organize the exam safely and seriously?
- In directing documents as well as at implementation conferences, the Ministry of Education and Training has thoroughly grasped the requirement not to let gaps occur in directing work. Therefore, in areas with exam sites at the commune level, a Steering Committee is established locally.
We assess that provinces, cities and departments of education have been very proactive. Not only establishing Steering Committees, localities also organize training and build handbooks to guide forces to be ready to participate, accompany and support the exam.
This model has been implemented in most localities, including Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, Nghe An and many other provinces and cities. From the direction of the Ministry and practical experience in localities, the organization of the exam has a focal point directing right from the grassroots level.
Through this, the two-level local government model is operating smoothly in all fields, including education and training in general, as well as the organization of this year's high school graduation exam. It can be said that the entire political system has joined in, accompanying the education sector, students and parents.
The exam takes place in the context that some localities are at risk of floods and travel conditions are still difficult. What solutions has the Ministry of Education and Training directed localities to implement to ensure that all candidates can participate in the exam?
- In some localities with difficult terrain or risk of rain and floods, local authorities, the education sector and parents have coordinated to bring students closer to the exam site in advance, and at the same time support food and accommodation.
The general spirit is not to let any students be unable to participate in the exam due to traffic conditions, living conditions or economic circumstances.
One of the highlights of this year's exam direction is the prevention and combat of high-tech fraud. Can you tell us how the Ministry of Education and Training has focused on this content?
- The use of high technology for cheating in exams is still complicated. Clearly identifying this issue, from the beginning, the Ministry of Education and Training directed the organization of training and close coordination with functional units of the Ministry of Public Security.
The Ministry has also issued guiding documents, especially noting that high-risk locations can use handheld security check equipment to proactively prevent.
In addition, propaganda and dissemination of regulations to students and teachers are carried out thoroughly. The content is emphasized that the exam questions belong to the list of state secrets; all acts of disseminating or leaking exam questions without being announced can be criminally handled.
Many localities have requested to sign commitments, list regulations in exam rooms and cite important contents for invigilators and candidates to understand clearly. Invigilators are also required to disseminate them thoroughly to candidates, because if they do not fully fulfill their responsibilities, they may inadvertently violate and be legally responsible.
This is one of the contents with very high responsibility requirements that the Ministry has been, is and will continue to focus on directing.
Before millions of candidates enter the important exam, what do you want to say to students, parents and forces participating in organizing the exam?
- As for many years, we always want the forces participating in organizing the exam to maximize their sense of responsibility, ensuring the exam takes place safely, seriously and in accordance with regulations.
At the same time, according to the direction of the Party and State leaders, this is considered a festival of the education sector, a milestone recognizing the maturity of students. Therefore, teachers need to uphold their responsibility but also must show a humane, gentle spirit and implement the regulations correctly.
For students, be proactive, confident, and fully develop their qualities, abilities and knowledge to overcome themselves and complete the exam well.
For parents, it is hoped that parents will trust their children. The results of the students reflect the learning and training process of the students themselves as well as the companionship of the family; these are all very precious values that need to be recognized.
Thank you very much, Deputy Minister!
