On May 13, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training issued a document requesting high schools, continuing education centers and educational institutions with high school levels to organize mock exams for the 2026 high school graduation exam to help students get acquainted with the regulations, exam structure and official exam organization process.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, the organization of mock exams aims to assess the actual capacity of 12th grade students according to the 2018 General Education Program, and at the same time help schools review professional work, facilities, exam organization procedures and the ability to handle arising situations.
The Department requires that the mock exam must be organized seriously, safely, objectively, in accordance with the spirit of the High School Graduation Exam Regulations but without causing excessive pressure on students. The mock exam results mainly serve the work of evaluating, adjusting teaching and learning activities, reviewing and supporting students.
The mock exam questions must closely follow the structure and format of the Ministry of Education and Training's reference questions, ensuring accuracy, science and suitability to the requirements of the current program. Units are also required to strengthen propaganda and thoroughly grasp students to properly implement regulations, proactively prevent fraud by high-tech equipment, artificial intelligence (AI) and illegal communication equipment.
According to the plan, 100% of 12th grade students at public and non-public high schools, continuing education centers, vocational education centers and continuing education centers and educational institutions that implement the high school program in Ho Chi Minh City will participate in the mock exam.
Units should base on actual conditions to develop appropriate mock exam organization plans and complete them before May 31, 2026. The Department of Education and Training also encourages schools in the same area to coordinate in organizing inter-school mock exams to increase objectivity in assessing student results.
In terms of structure, the mock exam is organized in the format of the 2026 High School Graduation Exam with Literature exam for 120 minutes, Math exam for 90 minutes and elective subjects for 50 minutes each.
The Department of Education and Training requests schools to arrange exam rooms according to registration numbers, with a maximum of 24 students/room; arrange areas for sending personal belongings in accordance with regulations. Each exam room has 2 invigilators and encourages teachers not to invigilate students in their assigned classes.
In exam supervision, units must implement procedures similar to the official exam such as calling candidates into the room, checking exam information, issuing exam papers on time, strict supervision and fully collecting papers. Exam supervisors must absolutely not use phones during their duties.
After the mock exam, schools must organize centralized marking according to professional groups, analyze results according to each subject and student group to adjust the review plan. The Department noted not to publicize rankings, causing unnecessary pressure on students.
In addition, educational institutions need to strengthen psychological counseling, guide test-taking skills and time management for students; coordinate with parents in supporting review work. Sample exam results should not be used to classify students, discipline or create achievement pressure for teachers and students.
