Editorial Note
Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training held a substantive examination-review conference on October 29, 2026. The conference addressed completed 2026 examination operations and discussed priorities for 2027. The review is a separate event from Directive 37/CT-TTg, signed on October 20 and previously covered by New To Education.
This article reports concerns discussed by officials and measures under consideration. References to possible monitoring equipment, changes in site arrangements, or revised procedures should not be interpreted as confirmation that those measures have already become mandatory.
Comments concerning possible examination violations are presented in their appropriate procedural context. An official's description of suspected or reported wrongdoing does not replace an investigation, legal proceedings, or final findings. This article is informational and not legal advice.
Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training held a national examination-review conference on October 29 at the University of Education, University of Da Nang.
Officials assessed the administration of the 2026 upper-secondary graduation examination and discussed how oversight could be improved for 2027.
The discussion addressed examination security, grading consistency, staffing responsibility, and the possibility of using additional technology to identify irregularities.
Bottom Line
The ministry reviewed the largest upper-secondary graduation examination cohort reported to date.
The 2026 examination involved 1,223,776 candidates, according to ministry figures presented at the conference.
Officials identified progress in online registration and assessment arrangements while emphasizing the need for stronger prevention of examination misconduct.
Potential changes to future examination procedures remain under consideration.
What Happened
Permanent Deputy Minister Phạm Ngọc Thưởng chaired the October 29 conference.
Participants reviewed the 2026 examination and identified areas requiring additional supervision.
Officials discussed risks arising from examination administration, staff selection, grading consistency, and possible misuse of technology.
The ministry also addressed reported violations involving an examination center in Tuyên Quang province and emphasized the need for appropriate investigation and accountability.
What the 2026 Examination Data Showed
The ministry reported that 1,223,776 candidates participated in the 2026 examination.
This represented an increase of 61,642 candidates compared with the previous year.
All candidates registered online, according to figures presented during the review.
The examination also operated under arrangements associated with the 2018 general education curriculum.
These figures provide important context for understanding the scale and complexity of examination administration.
Changes in Literature Assessment
The ministry reported the use of a rubric in guidance for grading the Literature examination.
Officials coordinated scoring guidance across 34 grading committees.
A separate verification arrangement involved grading reviews in ten provinces and cities.
These measures were intended to improve consistency in interpreting student responses and assigning scores.
For educators, standardized grading guidance can support fairness, but it still requires appropriate training and professional judgment.
Examination Security and Technology
Officials discussed potential additions to examination security arrangements.
These included considering cameras for examination rooms or surrounding areas and continued use of appropriate handheld screening devices.
The ministry also discussed stronger cross-checking and supervision of staff involved in examination administration.
A proposed security tool should be assessed for effectiveness, proportionality, privacy, cost, and the possibility of unintended consequences.
Technology can help identify suspicious activity, but it cannot independently establish a person's intent or responsibility.
Staff Accountability
Deputy Minister Phạm Ngọc Thưởng emphasized that human responsibility remains central to examination integrity.
During the conference, officials discussed concerns involving an examination center in Tuyên Quang.
The ministry called for appropriate handling of serious violations through the relevant legal and administrative processes.
The October 29 conference should not be interpreted as a newly issued court judgment or as a complete determination of individual liability.
What This Means for Schools
Schools preparing students for graduation examinations may eventually receive revised operational guidance.
Administrators should review official instructions for examination-center procedures, staffing, student communications, and security requirements.
Teachers can help students understand examination rules, permitted materials, and expectations concerning technology use.
Clear instructions are especially important when students are permitted to use technology in ordinary learning but face restrictions during formal assessments.
What This Does Not Mean
No nationwide mandatory installation of examination cameras was confirmed through the October 29 conference.
The meeting also did not establish that all examination irregularities had been resolved.
Measures proposed during an administrative review require appropriate decisions and guidance before becoming enforceable obligations.
Bigger Picture
National examinations are not merely academic events. They depend on coordination among schools, local authorities, examination administrators, evaluators, and security personnel.
A reliable examination system must protect students from unfair advantages while maintaining trustworthy procedures.
That requires more than surveillance. It also requires training, transparent standards, careful recordkeeping, and proportionate responses to suspected misconduct.
What Happens Next
The ministry may review examination regulations and staffing arrangements before the next examination period.
Schools should monitor published rules and official instructions for any changes affecting candidates and administrators.
New To Education will distinguish formal revisions from proposals discussed during the October 29 conference.
Why This Matters
Graduation examination results can influence students' educational progression and future opportunities.
Confidence in those results depends on both accurate measurement and credible administration.
The October 29 review offers an opportunity to address operational vulnerabilities before the next examination cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Vietnam held its examination review on October 29, 2026.
- The 2026 examination involved 1,223,776 candidates.
- Registration was conducted online for all candidates.
- The ministry discussed grading consistency and examination security.
- Potential camera use and additional safeguards remain under consideration.
- Staff responsibility was a major focus.
- The meeting is distinct from the October 20 examination-integrity directive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Vietnam announce new examination rules on October 29?
Officials discussed potential changes, but the conference was not itself a comprehensive final rulemaking announcement.
How many candidates participated in 2026?
The ministry reported 1,223,776 candidates.
Will cameras be required at every examination site?
The conference discussed the possibility of additional monitoring, but universal installation was not confirmed.
How does this relate to Directive 37?
The October 29 review addresses examination operations and implementation priorities, while the October 20 directive established broader government instructions concerning examination integrity.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam's October 29 review places institutional responsibility alongside technological safeguards in the discussion of examination integrity.
The next challenge is turning lessons from the 2026 examination into clear, fair, and manageable procedures for educators and students.
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New To Education — Vietnam Issues Directive 37 on Exam Fraud, AI Cheating and School Accountability, October 20, 2026:
Sources
Giáo dục Thủ đô / Giáo dục & Thời đại — Examination review conference, October 29, 2026:
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