The schedule for the 10th grade entrance exam nationwide starts as early as May 23rd.
Among the 34 provinces and cities nationwide, Ninh Binh and Da Nang are the two localities that will hold the 10th grade entrance exam in 2026 earliest, starting on May 23rd.
Starting from May 23rd, provinces and cities nationwide began organizing the 2026 entrance exams for 10th grade. Most localities held the exams in late May or early June. Among them,Ninh BinhandDa NangThese two provinces/cities held their exams earliest, both taking place from May 23-25.
The province that holds the exam latest isCan Tho, which takes place on the last two days of June. In addition, the provinceGia LaiThe exams will be held on the last two days of June, June 27-28. Two provinces have not yet announced detailed exam schedules: Cao Bang and Dien Bien.
Instead of entrance exams, some provinces and cities will select students for admission to schools within their areas, including Vinh Long, Dak Lak, Ca Mau, and Lam Dong. All four of these provinces will still hold entrance exams for specialized high schools.
The remaining provinces will hold entrance exams in three subjects: Mathematics, Literature, and a Foreign Language or English. Tuyen Quang province, however, has chosen Natural Sciences as its third subject. The provincial Department of Education and Training stated that Natural Sciences is a compulsory subject with a high degree of integration between Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Through this exam, the test not only serves the purpose of student recruitment but also contributes to a comprehensive assessment of scientific thinking, the ability to apply knowledge to practice, and guides students in choosing subjects and careers from the beginning of high school.
The schedule for the 10th grade entrance exams in provinces and cities across the country is as follows:
| No. | Provinces and cities | Subjects for the 10th grade entrance exam | Exam schedule |
| 1 | Ho Chi Minh City | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Language | 1-2/6 |
| 2 | Da Nang | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Languages (English, French, Japanese) | 23-25/5 |
| 3 | Hue | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Languages (English, French, Japanese) | 27-29/5 |
| 4 | Tuyen Quang | Mathematics, Literature, Natural Sciences | 27-28/5 |
| 5 | Thai Nguyen | Math, Literature, English | 26-28/5 |
| 6 | Nghe An | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Language (English, French) | 25-26/5 |
| 7 | Thanh Hoa | Math, Literature, English | 5-6/6 |
| 8 | Can Tho | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Language (English, French) | 29-30/6 |
| 9 | Cao Bang | Math, Literature, English | Before July 31st |
| 10 | Lang Son | Math, Literature, English | 26-28/5 |
| 11 | Hai Phong | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Languages (English, French, Japanese, Korean) | 2-4/6 |
| 12 | Ninh Binh | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Language (English, French, Russian) | 23-25/5 |
| 13 | Vinh Long | Admission | 2-3/7 |
| 14 | Dong Thap | Math, Literature, English | 27/5 |
| 15 | Hanoi | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Languages (English, French, German, Japanese, Korean) | 30/5-1/6 |
| 16 | Dong Nai | Math, Literature, English | 28-29/5 |
| 17 | Hung Yen | Math, Literature, English | 25-26/5 |
| 18 | Quang Ninh | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Languages (English, French, Chinese) | 3-5/7 |
| 19 | Quang Tri | Math, Literature, English | 25-26/5 |
| 20 | Lao Cai | Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Language (English, Chinese) | 27-29/5 |
| 21 | An Giang | Math, Literature, English | 2-3/6 |
| 22 | Bac Ninh | Math, Literature, English | 26-28/5 |
| 23 | Dien Bien | Math, Literature, English | Before July 31st |
| 24 | Gia Lai | Math, Literature, English | 27-28/6 |
| 25 | Ha Tinh | Math, Literature, English | 6-7/6 |
| 26 | Lai Chau | Math, Literature, English | 25-26/5 |
| 27 | Khanh Hoa | Math, Literature, English | 28-29/5 |
| 28 | Phu Tho | Math, Literature, English | 1-3/6 |
| 29 | Quang Ngai | Math, Literature, English | 30/5-1/6 |
| 30 | Son La | Math, Literature, English | 1-2/6 |
| 31 | Tay Ninh | Math, Literature, English | 2-3/6 |
| 32 | Dak Lak | Admission | Before July 15th |
| 33 | Ca Mau | Admission | 26-28/6 |
| 34 | Lam Dong | Admission | 1-3/7 |
According to the Circular on the regulations for admission to grade 10 issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, localities can choose to conduct entrance exams, select students based on academic records, or combine both.
In the case of entrance exams, to ensure consistency and a relaxed, cost-effective examination, the exam will consist of two compulsory subjects: Mathematics and Literature, and a third subject or test chosen by the Department of Education and Training, announced before March 31st of each year.
