On June 20, the Ministry of Education and Training held an online conference with representatives from 63 provinces and cities to discuss the organization of the 2024 high school graduation exam.

Mr. Huynh Van Chuong, Director of the Department of Quality Management (Ministry of Education and Training), revealed that the total number of candidates registered for the high school graduation exam is 1,071,393, an increase of more than 45,000 compared to 2023. Among these, 46,978 are independent candidates, accounting for 4.38% of the total.

Candidates exempted from the foreign language exam make up 6.25% of the total, with Hanoi contributing 21,554 candidates and Ho Chi Minh City accounting for 13,076.

The exam will take place across 2,323 sites nationwide, an increase of 51 from 2023, with a total of 45,149 exam rooms. On June 18, the Minister of Education and Training established 63 inspection teams to oversee exam invigilation at various Departments of Education and Training and Examination Councils. Nearly 8,000 higher education staff and lecturers will be involved in these inspection teams.

Despite preparations, some localities face difficulties, particularly regarding the physical conditions for printing and copying exam papers, and limited accommodation for printing teams.

Additionally, some areas have been slow to approve candidates' documents, prompting the Ministry to urge localities to enhance exam preparation and support for candidates. The Ministry may conduct surprise inspections to ensure readiness.

Major General Le Minh Manh, Deputy Director of Department A05, Ministry of Public Security, highlighted the Ministry's efforts to train personnel to detect and counteract high-tech cheating methods. However, some localities still underestimate the importance of security measures, such as ensuring storage for candidates' belongings is at least 25 meters from the exam area. The Ministry of Public Security has directed local police to coordinate with exam councils to uphold exam regulations.

"The use of high technology in exam cheating is increasingly sophisticated, with some countries using AI for this purpose. Cheating devices are becoming harder to detect, sometimes being hidden in the soles of shoes. Therefore, exam councils must enhance training in identifying these high-tech devices," said Mr. Manh.

The 2024 high school graduation exam will follow the stable format used from 2020 to 2023. Provincial and city governments will oversee exam organization.

The exams are scheduled for June 26-29, with grading starting on June 29. Results will be announced at 8:00 a.m. on July 17, and high school graduation recognition will be considered on July 19.

Thanh Hung