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Nearly 352,000 students sat for the 2025 English test at the national high school graduation exam held last month, where Math and Literature were two compulsory tests and students got to choose two other subjects.
The national average grade for English dropped to 5.38 out of 10, from 5.51 last year. Only 141 students scored a perfect 10, a sharp fall from 565 in 2024, while 28 students failed with scores of 1 or lower.
Hanoi claimed the top spot with an average score of 5.78, edging out Ho Chi Minh City, now grouped with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau as a single city, which scored 5.66. Quang Ninh ranked third with 5.46.
Other localities in the top 10 included Dien Bien, Phu Tho, Hai Phong, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa.
Hanoi also led in perfect scores, with 56 students achieving 10 out of 10. Ho Chi Minh City and Bac Ninh followed.
Experts caution that rankings may not reflect actual performance due to regional differences in candidate numbers. Ho Chi Minh City had over 61,900 students taking the exam, Hanoi nearly 59,600, while Dien Bien had just 554 candidates.
The 2025 national high school graduation exam was held on June 26-27, with more than 1.16 million students nationwide. English was the most popular elective, besides subjects in natural and social sciences.
Students faced 40 multiple-choice questions in a 50-minute test. Many complained the exam was too difficult and filled with academic vocabulary beyond high school level. Even students with IELTS scores of 7.0-7.5 said they struggled, expecting no more than 7 points.
Teachers also found the exam challenging, saying many questions were at B2-C2 level, far above the B1 proficiency target for 12th graders.
The exam's results will be used for university entrance.
Students have until July 25 to request a regrade and complete their university applications by 5 p.m. on July 28, with no limit on adjustments.
Final university admission scores will be announced by Aug. 22.
