Circular No. 17/2023/TT-BGDĐT Issuing the Examination Regulation for National Excellent Student Selection

CIRCULAR

Issuing the Regulations on National Student Excellence Selection Examinations

______________

Pursuant to the Education Law dated June 14, 2019;

Pursuant to the Higher Education Law dated June 18, 2012; and the Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Higher Education Law dated November 19, 2018;

Pursuant to Decree No. 86/2022/NĐ-CP dated October 24, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

At the proposal of the Director of the Quality Management Department;

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular to issue the Regulations on National Student Excellence Selection Examinations.

Article 1. These Regulations are promulgated together with this Circular.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect from November 25, 2023, and replaces Circular No. 56/2011/TT-BGDĐT dated November 25, 2011, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the Regulations on National Student Excellence Selection Examinations, and Circulars amending and supplementing these Regulations (Circular No. 41/2012/TT-BGDĐT dated November 19, 2012, Circular No. 37/2013/TT-BGDĐT dated November 27, 2013, and Circular No. 02/2023/TT-BGDĐT dated January 6, 2023).

Article 3. Director of the Office, Director of the Quality Management Department, Director of the Planning and Finance Department, Heads of units under the Ministry of Education and Training related to this matter; Chairpersons of Provincial People's Committees directly under the Central Government; Directors of Departments of Education and Training; Directors of universities and colleges; Principals of high schools are responsible for implementing this Circular.

REGULATIONS

NATIONAL STUDENT EXCELLENCE SELECTION EXAMINATIONS
(Annexed to Circular No. 17/2023/TT-BGDĐT dated October 10, 2023, issued by the Minister of Education and Training)

 PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. These Regulations stipulate the National Student Excellence Selection Examinations (referred to as the Examination Regulations), including: General provisions; examination preparation: test questions; invigilation; marking and re-examination; handling examination results; reporting and archiving systems; inspection, supervision, violation handling, and rewards; implementation organization.

Article 2. These Regulations apply to general secondary schools, comprehensive schools with multiple levels (including secondary level), collectively referred to as general secondary schools (GSS); Departments of Education and Training (DET); universities and colleges with GSS; relevant organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Purpose and Requirements

Article 3. The purpose of the National Student Excellence Selection Examinations is to encourage teachers and students to enhance their creative abilities, teach well, and study well; contribute to improving teaching and learning quality, management quality, and educational leadership; and identify students with talent in subjects to create a pool for nurturing talents for the country.

Article 4. The National Student Excellence Selection Examinations must ensure safety, seriousness, accuracy, objectivity, and fairness.

Article 5. Organization of National Student Excellence Selection Examinations

Clause 1. Annually, the Ministry of Education and Training organizes two examinations: the National Student Excellence Selection Examination for general secondary schools (referred to as the National Student Excellence Selection Examination) and the Examination to select teams for international and regional Olympiads (referred to as the Olympiad Team Selection Examination).

Clause 2. Each DET, each university (not belonging to a university) with a GSS that teaches advanced programs is a participating unit; the Northern Vietnam High School is registered as a participating unit.

Article 6. Eligibility for Participation

Clause 1. For the National Student Excellence Selection Examination:

Point a. Students currently studying at GSS, having good or better conduct and academic performance according to the results of the last semester (or school year) before the examination, and selected into the team of the participating unit;

Point b. Each candidate may only participate in one subject examination per school year.

Clause 2. For the Olympiad Team Selection Examination:

Students currently studying at GSS and falling into one of the following categories:

Point a. Selected by the Ministry of Education and Training from students who won awards in the National Student Excellence Selection Examination of the same school year, based on descending scores, ensuring the number of students selected for each subject does not exceed eight times the number needed for the national team for the corresponding international Olympiad;

Point b. Did not participate in the National Student Excellence Selection Examination of the same school year but were members of the national team for the regional Olympiad; or members of the national team for the international Olympiad in the previous school year.

Article 5. Subjects, Content, Format, and Time for Exams

1. Subjects:

a) For the National Excellent Student Selection Exam, exams will be organized in the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Literature, History, Geography, and Foreign Languages (English, Russian, French, Chinese). Only subjects with at least five units registering to take the exam will be considered for organization. Any adjustment to the subjects (if necessary) will be decided by the Minister of Education and Training.

b) For the Olympic Team Selection Exam, exams will be organized in the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science.

2. Content: The content of the exams is within the General Secondary Education Program, including specialized subject teaching content for high school level; specifically, for the Olympic Team Selection Exam, the content approaches that of international and regional Olympics.

3. Format and Time for Exams:

a) For the National Excellent Student Selection Exam: There will be two exam sessions for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Foreign Language subjects; one session for Literature, History, and Geography subjects; the exam time is 180 minutes. The Computer Science exam will be conducted in a programming format on computers; other subjects will be conducted in a written format on paper: Foreign Language subjects will also include an oral component, with candidates having 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to record their responses.

b) For the Olympic Team Selection Exam: There will be two exam sessions for each subject; additionally, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects will have a practical session; the exam time for the Computer Science subject is 300 minutes/session, Mathematics is 270 minutes/session, and the remaining subjects are 240 minutes/session. The practical session exam time for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects is 180 minutes.

Article 6. Exam Schedule and Exam Venue

1. The exam schedule follows the Examination Organization Guidelines. The schedule for the backup exam (if applicable) will be announced immediately after the decision to conduct the backup exam is made by the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Exam Venue:

a) For the National Excellent Student Selection Exam: At each participating unit, there will be an Exam Supervision Board; units from the same province or centrally governed city (referred to collectively as a province) may be combined into one Exam Supervision Board. directly under the Central Government b) For the Olympic Team Selection Exam: Following the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 7. Use of Information Technology in Exams

1. Participating units will uniformly use the examination management software provided by the Ministry of Education and Training; establish an information exchange system; follow the data processing procedures and reporting systems according to the Examination Organization Guidelines.

2. Participating units must assign civil servants or employees as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 8 of this Regulation to use computers and examination management software; register email addresses and phone numbers according to the Examination Organization Guidelines.

Article 8. Standards for Individuals Involved in Organizing Exams

1. Members of the National Excellent Student Selection Exam Steering Committee and the Exam Question Setting Boards, Exam Supervision Boards, Grading Boards, and Review Boards are referred to as individuals involved in organizing the exam.

2. Individuals involved in organizing the exam must meet the following standards:

a) Possess good moral character and a strong sense of responsibility;

b) Be proficient in examination-related work;

c) Not have spouses, children, siblings, nephews/nieces, or grandchildren, or the spouses', children's, siblings', nephews'/nieces', or grandchildren's spouses, guardians, foster parents, wards, or foster children participating in the exam;

d) Not be under disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.

3. In addition to the standards set out in Clause 2 of this Article, members of the Exam Question Setting Boards, Grading Boards, and Review Boards must also be professionals with expertise and proficiency.

3. In addition to the criteria stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article, members of the Examination Question Setting Councils, Examination Marking Councils, and Examination Review Councils must also be individuals with professional expertise and competence.

Article 9. Directing and organizing examinations

1. The Ministry of Education and Training shall direct and organize national student excellence selection examinations; examine and decide on handling special cases to ensure the purpose and requirements of examination organization.

2. Annually, the Minister of Education and Training issues a decision to establish the Examination Steering Committee for National Student Excellence Selection (referred to as the Examination Steering Committee).

a) The Chairperson is a Deputy Minister of Education and Training; the Vice-Chairpersons are leaders of relevant functional units under the Ministry of Education and Training, with the permanent Vice-Chairperson being the leader of the Quality Management Department; Members are leaders of some relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Public Security; the Secretary assisting the Examination Steering Committee is a civil servant or employee of relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Public Security;

b) Tasks and authorities of the Examination Steering Committee: Assist the Minister of Education and Training in directing the implementation of examination organization plans; direct and inspect the implementation of examination stages such as question setting, invigilation, marking, and re-examination; handle issues arising during the examination process and report to the Minister of Education and Training and competent authorities on the examination organization situation.

c) Tasks and authorities of members of the Examination Steering Committee: The Chairperson is responsible for the results of the Examination Steering Committee's task implementation and organizes members to perform tasks and authorities as stipulated in point b, Clause 2 of this Article; Vice-Chairpersons, Members, and Secretaries are responsible for the results of their assigned or delegated tasks and authorities by the Chairperson.

3. The Quality Management Department shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to implement the following tasks:

a) Develop plans for organizing national student excellence selection examinations and submit them to the Minister of Education and Training for approval;

b) Guide the organization of national student excellence selection examinations;

c) Mobilize examination units to perform invigilation duties during the national student excellence selection examination period;

d) Organize question setting and hand over questions that meet examination organization requirements;

đ) Organize invigilation for the examination selecting Olympic teams;

e) Organize marking and re-examination of national student excellence selection examinations.

4. The Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education and Training: Shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to conduct inspections and checks on the organization of national student excellence selection examinations.

Article 10. Handling Unusual Incidents

1. In case of errors in the examination questions, the leadership of the Examination Board must immediately report to the Examination Steering Committee to develop a solution.

2. All unusual incidents related to examination questions must be reported to the Examination Steering Committee for review and decision.

3. In case the CD containing the listening comprehension section of the Foreign Language subject is damaged:

a) If the main CD is damaged but the backup CD is not, the Chairman of the Examination Board shall record the condition of the CDs and use the backup CD;

b) If both the main CD and the backup CD are damaged, the Chairman of the Examination Board shall record the condition of the CDs, stop the Foreign Language examination with the damaged CD, and immediately report to the Chairperson of the Examination Steering Committee; the Chairperson of the Examination Steering Committee shall be responsible for directing the Examination Board to organize the examination using the CD containing the listening comprehension section of the backup examination question according to the Decision of the Minister of Education and Training.

4. In case the examination questions are leaked:

a) The Examination Steering Committee shall be fully responsible for handling the situation of leaked examination questions. Upon receiving a formal conclusion about the leakage of examination questions, the Examination Steering Committee shall decide to suspend the examination session with the leaked questions and organize a re-examination using the backup examination question at an appropriate time according to the Decision of the Minister of Education and Training.

b) The Ministry of Education and Training shall be responsible for coordinating with relevant agencies to inspect, verify, conclude the cause of the leakage of examination questions; handle those who leaked the examination questions and those involved according to the provisions of the law.

5. In case of power supply failure or the need to replace the computer in the Information Technology examination room:

a) The Chairman of the Examination Board where the incident occurs shall stop the Information Technology examination session for affected candidates or stop the Information Technology examination session and direct the resolution of the incident according to one of the two options: (i) Continue the Information Technology examination session immediately after resolving the incident and compensate the lost time for candidates if the resolution time does not exceed 30 minutes; (ii) Cancel the Information Technology examination session if the resolution time exceeds 30 minutes. Immediately report the incident and resolution plan to the Chairperson of the Examination Steering Committee;

b) In case the Information Technology examination session needs to be canceled, organize a re-examination using the backup examination question at an appropriate time according to the Decision of the Minister of Education and Training;

c) Examination units intentionally causing incidents will be handled according to the provisions of the law.

6. In case of severe natural disasters, the Chairperson of the Examination Steering Committee shall decide to postpone the examination session and direct the organization of the examination according to the Decision of the Minister of Education and Training.

7. During the examination period, if other unusual incidents occur, relevant organizations and individuals must immediately report to the Chairperson of the Examination Steering Committee to develop appropriate and timely solutions.

 

Chapter II

PREPARATION FOR ORGANIZING EXAMINATIONS

 

Article 11. Formation of the Contest Team

Clause 1. For the National Student Excellence Selection Examination:

a) Each participating unit shall establish a team to participate in the contest period of their own unit, ensuring full compliance with the requirements stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 4 and Clause 1 of Article 12 of this Regulation;

b) Each unit shall submit the registration form for each subject, the number of candidates for each subject, and the list of candidates for each subject to the Quality Assurance Department at least 30 days before the exam date. After this deadline, the candidate registration list cannot be adjusted.

2. For the selection contest for the Olympic team: The Ministry of Education and Training shall implement the selection and summoning of candidates to participate in the contest, ensuring compliance with the requirements stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 4 and Clause 2 of Article 12 of this Regulation.

Article 12. Number of Candidates

1. For the national excellent student selection contest: Each participating unit may register up to 10 candidates for each subject in the team (except for the participating units of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which may register up to 20 candidates for each team).

2. For the selection contest for the Olympic team: The number of candidates for each subject annually shall be summoned by the Ministry of Education and Training, ensuring full compliance with the requirements stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 4 of this Regulation.

Article 13. Candidate Files for Participation in the National Excellent Student Selection Contest

1. The candidate file includes:

a) The decision of the head of the participating unit regarding the establishment of teams to participate in the national excellent student selection contest (accompanied by the list of students in each team);

b) The school record book of the grade level (in cases where the contest is organized before the end of the first semester of the academic year) or the assessment results of discipline training (or conduct) and academic performance (or academic achievement) of the semester immediately preceding the contest, confirmed by the principal of the school (in cases where the contest is organized immediately after the end of the first semester of the academic year).

2. Issuance of the Contest Registration Card:

a) The head of the participating unit shall issue the Contest Registration Card for candidates from their own unit; the issuance of the Contest Registration Card must be completed at least 10 days before the exam date;

b) The Contest Registration Card must have a color photograph measuring 04cm x 06cm of the candidate, taken in the format of a citizen identification card no more than six months prior to the contest and stamped by the unit.

 

Chapter III

TESTS

 

Article 14. Proposed Test Questions

1. Proposed test questions serve as an important reference for the Examination Question Drafting Board.

2. Proposed test questions are prepared by some researchers, lecturers, and teachers with scientific credibility and strong professional expertise who are currently or previously worked at educational institutions, state agencies responsible for education, research institutes, or specialized associations, according to the requirements of the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. The content of proposed test questions must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 5 of this Regulation; proposed test questions must be sealed and submitted to the Quality Assurance Department by the person proposing them.

4. The proposer of the proposed test questions must maintain absolute confidentiality regarding the content of the proposed test questions and is not permitted to disclose it in any form.

5. The Quality Assurance Department is responsible for receiving, storing, and transferring the proposed test questions still in their original sealed condition to the Examination Question Drafting Board.

Article 15. Official Test Questions and Backup Test Questions

1. In each examination period, each subject has one official test question and one backup test question of equivalent difficulty; there is no optional format for each subject.

2. The content of the test questions must comply with the provisions of Article 5 of this Regulation; they must ensure accuracy, scientific rigor, and differentiation of candidate proficiency levels; test questions for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the national excellent student selection contest must include questions assessing practical skills and experimental abilities of candidates; test questions for the Olympic selection contest must meet the requirement of aligning with the structure and scope of knowledge in international and regional Olympic contests.

3. Test questions must be clearly and coherently expressed, avoiding ambiguity; they must indicate the total number of pages, page numbers, and the word "END" at the conclusion of the test questions.

4. Official test questions, backup test questions, and marking guidelines accompanying the test questions that have not been publicly disclosed belong to the category of state secrets classified as "Top Secret." Accordingly, the duration of protection of state secrets classified as "Top Secret" for test questions ends only when the examination period concludes.

5. Unused backup test questions are declassified after the final examination session of each contest period.

6. The official test questions of the national excellent student selection contest and the accompanying answers are published on the Ministry of Education and Training's electronic portal after the examination results are announced.

Article 16. Examination Question Preparation Area and Security Requirements

1. The examination question preparation area must be a secure, secluded, isolated location that has been inspected by police forces to ensure security, safety, fire prevention, and information isolation from the outside, with strict protection measures in place. It must have all necessary conditions for communication, security equipment, fire prevention, and firefighting. Personnel working in the examination question preparation area must wear specific badges and only operate within permitted areas.

2. In the examination question preparation area, mobile phones or any devices for transmitting, receiving, recording audio, or video are not allowed, except for a fixed phone with recording capabilities and external speakers that have been inspected by the police force. In cases of necessity and with written consent from the Chairman of the Examination Question Committee, fixed phone calls can be made and recordings taken under police supervision and logging. In special circumstances, with the approval of the Chairman of the Examination Question Committee, members may leave the examination question preparation area under 24-hour police surveillance until they return to the Examination Question Committee or until the last subject ends. Strictly implement the three-tiered isolation requirements at the examination question preparation area.

a) Tier 1: The work area of Examination Question Committee members who directly interact with the questions.

b) Tier 2: An area between Tier 1 and Tier 3 managed by the police force, responsible for monitoring all fixed phone communications as stipulated herein, serving as the point of contact for external information, controlling people and objects moving between Tier 3 and Tier 2. Police officers in Tier 2 are not allowed to discuss questions or personal matters with any member of the Examination Question Committee or Tier 3.

c) Tier 3: An area adjacent to Tier 2 managed by the police force, responsible for ensuring 24-hour security around the examination question preparation area, preventing unauthorized personnel or prohibited items from entering the examination question preparation area, maintaining logs of people and objects entering and exiting the protected area, and requiring all individuals entering or leaving to wear identification cards issued by the Examination Question Committee.

3. Equipment placed in the examination question preparation area, whether damaged or unused, can only be removed after the final exam session ends.

4. Draft papers, printouts, and used wax paper from printers and photocopiers must be kept confidential and stored in the Examination Question Committee's workspace and destroyed before the end of the final exam session.

5. Security requirements for practical examination question preparation during the Olympic team selection exams shall be regulated by the Minister of Education and Training.

Article 17. Examination Question Committee

1. The Examination Question Committee is established by the Minister of Education and Training.

2. Composition and membership of the Examination Question Committee:

a) Chairperson: Head of the Quality Assurance Department.

b) Vice-Chairpersons: Heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training, Director of the Examination Management Division of the Quality Assurance Department, heads of higher education institutions.

c) Members, Secretaries: Civil servants and staff from units under the Ministry of Education and Training and higher education institutions, high schools; among them, permanent members are civil servants of the Quality Assurance Department.

d) Each subject has a Question Preparation Team consisting of a Team Leader and question drafters, reviewers. The question drafters and reviewers belong to the following categories: civil servants, staff, researchers, full-time lecturers, full-time teachers currently employed at educational institutions meeting the requirements set forth in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 8 of this Regulation; other cases are decided by the Minister of Education and Training. During the year of the exam, those who have students they directly teach participating in the exam or who lead/co-manage the training of the team from their unit cannot join the Question Preparation Team.

e) Police forces mobilized by the Ministry of Public Security; officials and technical staff mobilized by the Government Office of Official Communications.

f) Security, medical, and service staff mobilized by the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Principles of operation of the Examination Question Committee:

a) The Committee works in concentrated isolation from the moment the proposed questions are opened until the end of the final exam session; each Question Preparation Team and other members work independently and directly with the Committee leadership.

b) Each member of the Committee is personally responsible for the content of the questions and ensuring confidentiality and security of the questions according to their duties and the laws on state secrets protection.

4. Tasks of the Examination Question Committee:

a) Organize the drafting of official and backup questions and marking guidelines (including answers and grading scales) for official and backup questions.

b) Organize reviews of questions and marking guidelines.

c) When necessary, organize printing and copying of questions, including CDs containing listening comprehension sections for foreign language subjects (for each question, print one official CD and one backup CD); package, seal, and hand over questions to the question transportation department for delivery to the Exam Supervision Committees.

d) Ensure absolute confidentiality and security for questions and marking guidelines from the start of question drafting until the end of the final exam session.

5. Responsibilities and authorities of Examination Question Committee members:

a) Chairperson: Directs all activities of the Committee; issues working regulations, assigns tasks to Committee members; reads, reviews questions together with assigned members and requests corrections when necessary; approves official and backup questions and marking guidelines for official and backup questions; hands over encrypted files containing official questions; organizes printing, packaging, sealing, and handing over questions for delivery to Exam Supervision Committees when necessary; examines and reports to competent authorities on contingency plans for question-related incidents; examines, decides, or proposes rewards and punishments for Committee members.

b) Vice-Chairpersons assist the Chairperson in management tasks as assigned by the Chairperson.

c) The Head of the Question-setting Team: Carry out the drafting of questions according to the procedure set forth in Article 18 of this Regulation; submit the draft questions and marking guidelines to the Chairman of the Examination Board for review, revision, and approval; read through and recheck the questions; verify the listening comprehension data for foreign language subjects; perform other tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Examination Board; evaluate all proposed questions during the examination period.

d) The Question Reviewer: Carry out the review of questions according to the procedure set forth in Article 18 of this Regulation; read through and recheck the questions; verify the CDs containing the listening comprehension sections for foreign language subjects; perform other tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Examination Board.

đ) Members and Secretaries assisting the leadership of the Examination Board shall carry out the following tasks: Develop the work plan of the Examination Board, draft documents, prepare tables, record minutes of meetings of the Examination Board; prepare data, materials, conditions, and means for the Examination Board to operate; package and deliver the questions to the question transportation unit for distribution to examination boards; perform other tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Examination Board.

e) Police force: responsible for developing and implementing security plans, ensuring safety, isolating information, controlling people and objects entering and exiting, and fixed-line telephone communications in the working area of the Question-setting Board; advise the Chairman of the Question-setting Board on handling security situations and perform other tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Question-setting Board.

g) Personnel with confidential duties, security, health, and service staff: carry out tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Examination Board.

h) The Chairman of the Examination Board is personally responsible to the Minister of Education and Training and to the law for the implementation of assigned tasks; other members of the Examination Board are personally responsible to the Chairman of the Examination Board and to the law for their assigned tasks.

Article 18. Question-setting Process

1. Drafting Questions:

a) The Head of the Question-setting Team coordinates with the Secretariat to remove all information related to the proposers of the suggested questions. The Question-setting Team reviews and categorizes the suggested test questions (referred to as proposed test questions) according to the structure of the exam. The Question-setting Team organizes the evaluation of each proposed test question, selects those that meet the requirements for reference in drafting the questions, and reports to the Examination Board's leadership in writing; if two or more proposed test questions are selected from the same structural unit of the exam, they are chosen by drawing lots. The drafting of questions ensures the principle of transforming proposed test questions and not using more than one question from a single proposed question-setter. For foreign language subjects, the reference and selection of proposed test questions from a single proposed question-setter for drafting the questions must not exceed 20% of the total score of the test.

b) If the source of proposed questions is insufficient for reference in drafting the questions, the Head of the Question-setting Team reports to the Chairman of the Question-setting Board to assign members to propose ideas and organize internal review and transformation of these ideas to draft questions for the examination.

c) The Head of the Question-setting Team must fully report to the Chairman of the Examination Board on the viewpoints, drafting procedures, and basic content of the drafted questions; particularly, it is necessary to clearly indicate which content was drafted from which proposed questions and which content was drafted based on the proposed ideas of the members of the Question-setting Team.

2. Reviewing Questions:

a) The Question Reviewer is responsible for reading and evaluating the questions drafted by the Question-setting Team according to the requirements stipulated in Article 15 of this Regulation and proposing main solutions and revisions to the questions if deemed necessary.

b) The opinions of the Question Reviewer on the drafted questions serve as a basis for the Chairman of the Question-setting Board to approve the questions.

3. Finalizing Questions: Based on the opinions of the Question Reviewers, all members of the Question-setting Team will refine and finalize the questions, sign them, and submit them to the Chairman of the Question-setting Board for approval.

4. Supervision During the Examination: The Question-setting Team for each subject must supervise throughout the duration of the students' examination in that subject to handle any issues related to the questions (if any).

5. The organization of practical question-setting for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects shall be carried out according to the Practical Question-setting Guidelines.

Article 19. Transfer of Examination Questions

The Head of the Examination Steering Committee decides on the method for transferring examination questions:

1. Direct transfer method:

a) The Chairman of the Question Setting Council shall organize printing, packaging, sealing, affixing the "Top Secret" stamp on the examination question envelopes, and hand them over to the examination question transportation department to deliver to the Examination Supervision Councils. Examination questions must be stored according to regulations for protecting state documents classified as Top Secret;

b) The entire process of handing over and transporting examination questions must be witnessed and protected by the police; a handover record must be established detailing the condition of the packaging and sealing of the examination question envelopes.

2. Transfer through the Government Cryptographic Department system shall be carried out in accordance with the Guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training.

 

Chapter IV

SUPERVISION OF EXAMINATIONS

 

Article 20. Examination Supervision Council for National Excellent Student Selection Examinations

1. Establishment of the Examination Supervision Council:

a) Establish one Examination Supervision Council at each participating unit; it may establish a joint Examination Supervision Council for participating units within the same province or centrally-administered city;

b) The Examination Supervision Council shall be established by the Head of the participating unit where the Examination Supervision Council is located.

2. Structure and Composition of the Examination Supervision Council:

a) Chairperson: A leader from the participating unit or the Director/Head of a department of the participating unit that does not have candidates taking the examination at this Examination Supervision Council (referred to as another participating unit);

b) There shall be no more than three Deputy Chairpersons; among them, only one Deputy Chairperson shall be from the participating unit where the Examination Supervision Council is located (referred to as the local participating unit). Individuals serving as Deputy Chairperson include leaders from the participating unit, leaders from departments of the participating unit, and school principals;

c) There shall be no more than five Secretaries; among them, only one person shall be from the local participating unit. Individuals serving as Secretary include civil servants, public officials, lecturers, and high school teachers;

d) Individuals serving as invigilators include civil servants, public officials, specialists, lecturers, and high school teachers from other participating units. In necessary cases, middle school teachers can be used for foreign language subjects;

đ) Technical Department: Each Examination Supervision Council shall have no more than three technical personnel responsible for information technology from the local participating unit;

e) Police, security guards, medical staff, and service personnel: Shall be mobilized by the Head of the local participating unit in coordination with the Heads of relevant agencies in the area where the Examination Supervision Council is located;

g) In the case of transferring examination questions through the Government Cryptographic Department system, personnel involved shall be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Responsibilities of the Examination Supervision Council:

a) Check examination files and candidate files to ensure they are complete in accordance with Clause 1 of Article 13 and meet the requirements set forth in Clause 1 of Article 4 of these Regulations. If any errors are found, they must immediately report to the Head of the local participating unit for timely handling;

b) Check the preparation of essential conditions, particularly physical facilities and equipment for the examinations;

c) Disseminate the Examination Regulations and the rules of the examinations to candidates;

d) Organize the implementation of all stages of the examination supervision process strictly, safely, in accordance with the Examination Regulations and examination organization guidelines;

đ) Receive, store, and use examination questions in accordance with the Examination Regulations and the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training. In the case of examination questions being transferred through the Government Cryptographic Department system, the printing of examination questions shall be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training;

e) Store examination questions and answer sheets; transfer answer sheets and examination files to the Quality Control Bureau in accordance with confidentiality principles and examination organization guidelines.

4. Responsibilities and Authorities of Members of the Examination Supervision Council:

a) Chairperson: Manage all activities of the Council; organize for members of the Council and candidates to study, understand, and implement the Examination Regulations, examination organization guidelines, and related documents; handle any unusual incidents during the examination supervision process in accordance with Article 10 of these Regulations; consider, decide, or propose rewards and disciplinary actions for candidates and members of the Council;

b) Deputy Chairperson: Assist the Chairperson in management tasks as assigned by the Chairperson;

c) Member, Secretary: Assist the Chairperson in drafting documents, preparing tables, and recording minutes of Council meetings; perform other tasks assigned by the Chairperson;

d) Invigilator: Perform tasks as stipulated in Article 25 of these Regulations; perform other tasks assigned by the Chairperson;

đ) Technical Department: Perform tasks as stipulated in Article 25 of these Regulations; perform other tasks assigned by the Chairperson; remain on duty during the examination period to address any urgent needs of candidates and invigilators; may enter the examination room during the examination period to handle technical issues only upon permission from the Chairperson;

e) Police, security guards, medical staff, and service personnel for the examinations: Carry out tasks as assigned by the Chairperson of the Examination Supervision Council; shall not participate in tasks reserved for other members of the Council; shall not enter the examination room during the examination period. In the event of a health emergency involving a candidate in the examination room, medical staff may enter the room to provide assistance only upon receiving approval from the Chairperson of the Examination Supervision Council;

g) During the examination supervision period, from the time the examination question envelopes are opened until the end of each examination session, all members of the Examination Supervision Council are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the examination questions; they shall not carry or use mobile phones, devices for transmitting and receiving information, audio recorders, or video cameras. In necessary cases, only the leadership of the Examination Supervision Council may contact using fixed-line telephones with external speakers under the supervision of the police and security guards (a record of the contact address and content must be established);

h) The Chairperson of the Council is personally responsible before the Head of the participating unit and the law for performing assigned tasks; other members of the Council are personally responsible before the Chairperson and the law for their assigned tasks.

Article 21. Examination Supervision Board for the Olympic Team Selection Exam

1. Establishment of the Examination Supervision Board: The Examination Supervision Board shall be established by a Decision of the Minister of Education and Training.

2. Structure and Composition of the Examination Supervision Council:

a) Chairperson: Head of the Quality Assurance Department.

b) Deputy Chairperson of the Board: Leaders of certain units under the Ministry of Education and Training, leaders of the Department of Quality Assurance, leaders of higher education institutions, and leaders of provincial Departments of Education and Training;

c) Members, Secretaries, and Examiners: Civil servants and staff members of units under the Ministry of Education and Training, and lecturers and teachers from higher education institutions and high schools;

d) Technical personnel, practical personnel: To be mobilized by the Ministry of Education and Training in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies;

đ) Police, security guards, medical personnel, service staff: To be mobilized by the Ministry of Education and Training in coordination with the heads of relevant agencies.

3. Responsibilities of the Examination Supervision Council:

a) Verify examination files, compare the list of candidates participating in the exam and the list of candidates summoned by the Ministry of Education and Training to participate in the Olympic team selection exam;

b) Carry out tasks as prescribed in points b, c, d, đ, e of Clause 3, Article 20 of this Regulation;

4. Responsibilities and authorities of the Examination Supervision Board members: Implemented as prescribed in Clause 4, Article 20 of this Regulation.

Article 22. Arrangement of Examination Rooms

1. General Provisions:

a) Arrange registration numbers in alphabetical order according to the names of candidates in the examination list for each subject;

b) For written exams, arrange seating for candidates in the examination room ensuring a minimum horizontal distance of 1.2 meters between two candidates;

c) Each examination room must have at least three invigilators, including at least two invigilators inside the room and one outside the room;

d) For computer science examination rooms, ensure that: Each candidate uses a separate computer; each room has at least one computer with a laser printer dedicated to printing candidates' work; there are at least two backup computers and one laser printer; all computers in the room are equivalent in configuration, equipped with CD readers and writers; they are set to the correct date and time in the system; they are virus-free; software is installed before the exam day as prescribed, without installing any other software or documents; computers in the room are arranged so that each is at least 1.2 meters apart horizontally and each candidate cannot see another's screen.

2. For the National Excellent Student Selection Exam:

a) Each examination room should not exceed 24 candidates;

b) Arrangement of examination rooms for computer science subjects: Candidates taking computer science subjects are assigned to a separate examination room; computers are isolated, not connected to any device or means within or outside the examination room;

c) Arrangement of examination rooms for foreign language subjects: Written exams, each foreign language subject is assigned a separate examination room with a CD player and speaker, with at least two backup CD players and speakers shared among all foreign language examination rooms; oral exams, carried out according to the Examination Organization Guidelines;

d) Arrangement of examination rooms for other subjects: Each examination room must have at least two subjects.

3. For the Olympic Team Selection Exam: The arrangement and seating of candidates in theoretical examination rooms must meet the requirements stipulated in point b of Clause 1 of this Article, ensuring that each invigilator oversees no more than 10 candidates. The arrangement and seating of candidates in computer science examination rooms and practical examination rooms for physics, chemistry, and biology subjects should align with international and regional Olympic competition organization practices; carried out according to the Examination Organization Guidelines.

Article 23. Provisions on materials and items allowed to be brought into the examination room

1. Candidates are permitted to bring into the examination room materials and items related to answering the examination questions, including:

a) Writing pens, rulers, black pencils, erasers, set squares, graph paper rulers, drawing tools;

b) Handheld calculators without word processing functions and without memory cards; for Mathematics subjects, candidates are not allowed to bring handheld calculators into the examination room.

2. Bringing materials and items into the examination room for foreign language subjects shall be carried out according to the Examination Organization Guidelines.

3. Bringing materials and items into the examination room for the selection of Olympic team candidates: Shall be implemented according to the Examination Organization Guidelines, ensuring suitability with the characteristics of each subject, aligning with international and regional Olympic examination organizations.

Article 24. Responsibilities of candidates

1. Be present at the examination venue on the specified date and time. Candidates arriving late after the start of the examination period will not be allowed to take the examination.

2. Present the Examination Admission Card (for the national excellent student selection examination) or Identity Card (for the Olympic team selection examination) before entering the examination room.

3. Sit in the designated seat according to the roll number specified in the examination room; sign the list of candidates participating in each examination session.

4. Only be allowed to bring into the examination room the materials and items prescribed in Article 23 of this Regulation. Not allowed to bring into the examination room: Charcoal paper, erasing pens, alcoholic beverages; weapons and explosive, flammable substances; information transmission materials or devices that could be exploited for cheating during the examination process and marking process.

5. Upon receiving the examination paper, must check the number of pages of the examination paper, write the roll number on the examination paper. If a missing page, torn, damaged, blurred, or unclear examination paper is discovered, report it to the invigilator in the examination room within ten minutes from the start of the examination period.

6. During the examination period, maintain order; do not exchange, discuss, or copy answers; when wishing to express an opinion, raise a hand to request permission and only speak when allowed by the invigilator in the examination room; do not leave the examination room throughout the examination period. In case of necessity, only leave the examination room with the permission of the invigilator and be under the supervision of the invigilator outside the examination room; in cases of emergency medical evacuation, the candidate's exit from the examination room and examination area must be supervised by the police until the end of the examination session and decided by the Chairman of the Examination Board. Report to the responsible person if cheating behavior is detected during the examination.

7. The examination answer must be written with one type of pen, one ink color; do not write with red ink or pencil (except for drawing circles with a compass); do not mark or make personal symbols in the examination answer; parts that are written incorrectly must be crossed out, not erased or removed by any means.

8. For Information Technology subjects, candidates must complete their answers and record them on the hard drive of the computer; keep all sealed positions on the computer intact until the end of the examination. In the case of network-connected computers, candidates must follow the Examination Organization Guidelines.

9. When the signal to stop the examination is given:

a) For written examination sessions: All candidates must immediately stop writing and submit their examination papers; clearly write the number of examination sheets submitted and sign the Examination Paper Collection Form (including cases where the paper was not completed);

b) For Information Technology examination sessions: All candidates must immediately turn off the computer screen. With the invigilator's permission, candidates may turn on the computer screen again and open the sealed CD drive to record their answers onto the CD; subsequently, the candidate witnesses the invigilator printing their answer from the CD onto paper; the candidate signs the CD and the printed paper. In the case of network-connected computers, candidates must follow the Examination Organization Guidelines;

c) For oral examination sessions of foreign language subjects in the national excellent student selection examination and practical examination sessions of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the Olympic team selection examination: Candidates must follow the Examination Organization Guidelines.

10. After the examination ends, candidates may only leave the examination room with the permission of the invigilator in the examination room.

11. Candidates are responsible for preserving their examination papers from the moment they receive them until the end of the examination period.

Article 25. Examination Supervision Procedure

1. At least two days before the examination date, the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Member, Secretary, technical department, police, and security personnel of the Examination Board shall be present at the examination venue to perform the following tasks:

a) Inspect the preparation for the examination period; accept the examination venue, facilities, and equipment serving the organization of the examination;

b) Prepare equipment, install software on computers according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training (no other software or documents may be installed), ensuring that the equipment operates properly;

c) Accept examination files, confirm each examinee's right to participate in the examination, and post the list of examinees participating in the examination;

d) Resolve necessary matters for the examination period, unify general regulations, and assign specific tasks to each member of the Examination Board.

2. At least one day before the examination date:

a) Invigilators, medical staff, and service personnel shall be present at the examination venue to convene the Examination Board meeting, familiarize themselves with the Examination Regulations and related documents concerning the examination period; inspect examination files; inspect the conditions of facilities and equipment serving the organization of the examination, seal examination rooms after inspection and completion of other preparatory work for the examination period;

b) The invigilator for the Computer Science subject shall be responsible for checking the installation of software on computers, numbering and sealing each computer in the Computer Science examination room at the "gate" connection points to ensure that network connections, USB drives, and CD drives cannot be used. In cases where the examination is conducted online via a local network/internal network, the invigilator shall follow the Examination Organization Guidelines;

c) For the National Excellent Student Selection Examination, the invigilator for the Foreign Language subject shall be responsible for performing the following tasks: Using a CD with recorded music to check and practice using the CD player; after the practice session, seal the CD drive under the witness of the Examination Board leadership; coordinate with the technical department to check the installation and practice using the recording software on computers serving the speaking examination session.

3. Immediately before the first examination session, organize the opening ceremony of the examination period.

4. Before each examination session, convene the Examination Board meeting to disseminate necessary tasks, record the confirmation of the sealed condition of the question paper envelopes, assign tasks to each member of the Board for that examination session, and require compliance with the timeframes specified in the Examination Organization Guidelines.

5. Prior to the examination time:

a) The invigilator receives examination papers (including intact CD boxes protected by plastic wrap, for the Computer Science and speaking sessions of the Foreign Language subject), scratch paper, and question paper envelopes from the Chairperson of the Board; checks the sealing of the examination room; checks the Examination Participation Card (for the National Excellent Student Selection Examination) or Identity Card (for the Olympic Team Selection Examination), examinee materials, and items; allows examinees to enter the examination room and ensures they sit in their designated seats. The invigilator clearly informs examinees that the examination papers are state secrets classified as "Top Secret," the confidentiality period for the examination papers, and that any violations will be handled according to the Examination Regulations and laws regarding the protection of state secrets;

b) For writing examination sessions, the invigilator in the examination room signs and writes their full name on the examination papers and scratch paper, distributes the examination papers and scratch paper to examinees, and guides them to fill in the required information on the examination papers as stipulated;

c) For the Computer Science examination session, the invigilator in the examination room checks the power supply and sealing of the computers;

d) For practical examination sessions of Physics, Chemistry, Biology subjects in the Olympic Team Selection Examination and speaking sessions of Foreign Language subjects in the National Excellent Student Selection Examination: The invigilator performs tasks according to the Examination Organization Guidelines;

e) Upon the signal, the invigilator distributes examination papers to each examinee (in examination rooms with examinees from at least two subjects, the distribution of examination papers is carried out sequentially by subject);

6. During the examination period:

a) The invigilator in the examination room closely monitors the examination room, controls the number of examination papers and scratch paper of examinees, preventing copying and exchange between examinees;

b) If it is necessary to allow examinees to leave the examination room, the invigilator in the examination room only allows individual examinees to leave and reports to the invigilator outside the examination room;

c) If there is an examinee who violates the Examination Regulations, the invigilator in the examination room records the incident and immediately reports to the Chairperson of the Examination Board to take appropriate measures;

d) The invigilator outside the examination room supervises examinees and the invigilator inside the examination room in the area assigned by the Chairperson of the Board; simultaneously supervises and does not permit examinees (if any) to contact any other person.

7. Collecting examination papers for writing sessions:

a) The invigilator in the examination room requires all examinees to stop working immediately upon the signal, collect examination papers from each examinee in sequence (check the number of examination papers of each examinee and request the examinee to sign the Examination Collection Form), verify the complete number of examination papers and sheets, and submit them fully to the Chairperson of the Examination Board or the person authorized by the Chairperson of the Examination Board;

b) The invigilator outside the examination room supervises examinees, the invigilator inside the examination room, and assists the invigilator inside the examination room in maintaining order in the examination room throughout the process of collecting examinees' examination papers in the area assigned by the Chairperson of the Board.

8. Collecting examination papers for the Computer Science session:

a) The invigilator in the examination room shall require all candidates to turn off their computer screens immediately upon receiving the signal; sequentially collect each candidate's answer sheet according to the procedure: check the number of the computer against the candidate's registration number; if valid, allow the candidate to open the CD drive seal on the computer and record their answers onto the CD; together with another candidate in the examination room, supervise the recording of the candidate's answers onto the CD; request the candidate to turn off their computer immediately after completing the recording of their answers onto the CD; request the candidate to sign on their CD (which has recorded their answers); print out the candidate's answers from the CD onto paper, witnessed by two candidates and a second invigilator, along with the second invigilator and two candidates witnessing and signing on both the CD and the printed paper; collect the CD and the printed paper (with all signatures complete); verify the number of CDs and the number of printed papers containing the candidate's answers, and submit them fully to the Chairman of the Examination Board or the person authorized by the Chairman of the Examination Board.

b) The invigilator outside the examination room shall monitor the candidates, the invigilator inside the examination room, and assist the invigilator inside the examination room in maintaining order in the examination room throughout the process of collecting candidates' answer sheets, in the area assigned by the Chairman of the Examination Board.

c) The technical team shall immediately delete all data related to candidates' answers on the computers, right after all candidates have left the examination room.

d) In the case of examinations conducted on networked/local computers, the invigilators and candidates shall follow the Examination Organization Guidelines.

9. Collection of answer sheets for practical sessions of Physics, Chemistry, Biology subjects in the Olympic selection examination and speaking sessions of foreign language subjects in the national excellent student selection examination: The invigilator shall perform tasks according to the Examination Organization Guidelines.

10. After each examination session, the Examination Board leader must immediately seal the answer sheets of that session before the entire Examination Board.

11. Packaging and sealing:

a) Bag No. 1: Contains the answer sheets of each subject in one examination room and the Answer Sheet Collection Form of the examination room; for the Computer Science subject, there are two bags: one bag contains the CD, and one bag contains the printed answer sheets of the candidates and the Answer Sheet Collection Form. The invigilator in the examination room collects the answer sheets, submits them to the Chairman of the Examination Board or the person authorized by the Chairman of the Examination Board, and seals Bag No. 1. On the outside of Bag No. 1, there are signatures on the sealing tape of two invigilators and the person directly receiving the answer sheets.

b) Bag No. 2: Contains the common answer sheets of the examination, including all Bag No. 1s; it is sealed in front of the entire Examination Board. On the outside of Bag No. 2, there are signatures on the sealing tape of one invigilator representative, one secretary, and the Chairman of the Examination Board.

c) Bag No. 3: Contains the examination file, including the list of candidates with signatures of the candidates, various records made in the examination room, and the Examination Board's record. On the outside of Bag No. 3, there are signatures on the sealing tape of one invigilator representative, one secretary, and the Chairman of the Examination Board.

d) Bag No. 4: Contains Bag No. 2, Bag No. 3, and the unopened reserve test papers to be sent via postal service. On the outside of Bag No. 4, there are signatures on the sealing tape of one invigilator representative, one secretary, and the Chairman of the Examination Board.

12. Prepare separate minutes for each matter: security guard duty; sealing and unsealing; opening the test paper envelope at the beginning of the examination; transfer of test papers, answer sheets, and examination files; any unusual incidents (if any).

13. After the final examination session of the examination period ends, convene the Examination Board meeting to:

a) Review and evaluate the examination supervision organization;

b) Propose commendations and disciplinary actions;

c) Witness and confirm the sealing of the bags containing the answer sheets and examination files of the examination period: sign on the examination summary minutes.

Article 26. Preservation of Examination Papers and Answer Sheets

1. Preservation of Examination Papers:

a) For direct transportation method: The leader of the examination unit at the venue shall be responsible for preserving the examination papers from the time of receiving them until the Examination Board starts its work: The Chairman of the Examination Board shall be responsible for preserving the examination papers from the time of receiving them from the leader of the examination unit at the venue until the end of the last examination session;

b) For transportation through the system of the Government Cryptographic Department: The Examination Board shall be responsible for preserving the examination papers from the time of receiving them until the completion of the examination supervision work.

2. Preservation of Answer Sheets: The Chairman of the Examination Board shall be responsible for preserving sealed answer sheet bags and examination files until the completion of the process of sending answer sheets, examination files, and unused reserve examination papers to the designated location.

3. Containers, cabinets storing examination paper bags, answer sheet bags, and examination files must be locked and sealed, kept in a secure and safe room; security guards must be organized to protect them 24 hours a day.

4. Immediately after the examinations are completed, all answer sheets and examination files must be transported directly or sent via express mail service according to the Examination Organization Guidelines. The minimum composition of the direct transport team or the team sending answer sheets and examination files includes: one Examination Board leader, one secretary, and one police officer.

 

Chapter V

MARKING AND REEXAMINATION

 

Article 27. Marking Area and Shuffling Area

1. The marking area must ensure security and safety, have sufficient fire prevention and firefighting equipment, and be continuously protected by police officers 24 hours a day; the marking place and the storage place for answer sheets should be arranged close to each other. Rooms containing answer sheets, cabinets, boxes, or other containers holding sealed answer sheet bags must be safe and secure, must be locked and sealed. Keys to rooms containing answer sheets are held by the Examination Board leader (or someone authorized in writing by the Examination Board leader); keys to cabinets, boxes, or other containers holding sealed answer sheet bags are held by the Examination Board secretary; each sealing and unsealing of rooms containing answer sheets must be witnessed by the Examination Board leader (or someone authorized in writing by the Examination Board leader) and a police officer, recorded in detail. Rooms containing answer sheets, marking rooms, and places where the Examination Board secretary performs tasks must be monitored by security cameras recording activities in the room continuously 24 hours a day.

2. The shuffling area must ensure security and safety, have sufficient fire prevention and firefighting equipment, and be continuously protected by police officers 24 hours a day; there must not be any information transmission devices or image capture devices; participants in the shuffling process may not bring information transmission devices into the shuffling area.

3. It is not allowed to bring copying devices, related documents, and types of pens not within the regulations of the marking board into and out of the marking area and shuffling area.

Article 28. Examination Marking Board

1. The Minister of Education and Training issues a decision to establish the Examination Marking Board and its Groups including: Secretariat Group, Shuffling Group, Marking Group.

2. Composition of the Examination Marking Board:

a) Chairperson: Head of the Quality Assurance Department.

b) Deputy Chairperson of the Board: Leaders of some relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training, Head of the Quality Control Department;

c) Member: Leaders of departments and civil servants of some relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training. The Chairperson of the Board assigns a minimum of one member to supervise the performance of the Board members;

d) Secretariat Group: Civil servants and staff of units under the Ministry of Education and Training, lecturers, teachers, specialists from higher education institutions, high schools;

đ) Marking Group: Each subject has a Marking Group led by a Group Leader. Examiners are researchers, specialists, university lecturers, high school teachers who are currently working or have worked, meeting all requirements stipulated in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 8 of this Regulation. In the year of organizing the examination, those who have students they directly teach participating in the examination or who lead/co-manage training teams of the examination units cannot participate in the Marking Group;

e) Shuffling Group: Civil servants and staff of units under the Ministry of Education and Training, lecturers, teachers, specialists from higher education institutions, high schools. Among them, the Shuffling Group Leader is concurrently appointed by the Deputy Chairperson or a Member of the Board;

g) Police force mobilized by the Ministry of Public Security;

h) Security guards, medical personnel, service staff: mobilized by the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Tasks of the Examination Marking Board:

a) Inspect and accept the venue, facilities, and working tools of the Examination Marking Board; receive the handover of all answer sheets, examination supervision files, and be responsible for their preservation during the marking period; mark candidates' answer sheets according to the Examination Regulations and marking guidelines; propose handling solutions for examination results; shuffle, combine shuffled answer sheets, and score the examination;

b) Do not mark answer sheets of candidates who violated the Examination Regulations and were documented by the Examination Board with a recommendation to nullify their examination results; record and report to the Examination Steering Committee Head about answer sheets that violate the Examination Regulations and are processed and nullified due to discovery by the Examination Marking Board; propose disciplinary actions for violations exceeding the authority of the Chairperson of the Examination Marking Board.

4. Responsibilities and authorities of Examination Marking Board members:

a) Chairperson of the Board: Direct all activities of the Examination Marking Board; request the Marking Group to review marking results, re-mark, and jointly mark certain answer sheets when necessary; suspend the marking work of examiners if they intentionally violate the Examination Regulations; develop handling solutions for examination results, submit to the Examination Steering Committee Head for approval; examine and conclude disciplinary actions for those who violate the Examination Regulations and examination organization guidelines; propose commendations for outstanding members;

b) Deputy Chairperson of the Board: Be responsible for the results of tasks and authorities assigned or delegated by the Chairperson of the Board;

c) Members, Secretariat Group: Be responsible for drafting documents, creating tables and charts as prescribed, recording minutes of Board meetings; combine shuffled answer sheets, score the examination; perform other tasks assigned by the Chairperson of the Board.

d) The Shuffling Team: receives sealed bags of answer sheets; shuffles, secures, seals, and stores shuffled numbers confidentially throughout the grading period until grading is completed; hands over sealed bags of answer sheets with shuffled numbers to the Chairman of the Examination Board or the person delegated or authorized by the Chairman; merges candidates' scores across examination days based on shuffled numbers upon request by the Chairman; collaborates with the Secretariat Team to merge shuffled numbers when requested by the Chairman;

đ) The Grading Team is responsible for grading according to Article 30 of this Regulation; coordinates merging shuffled numbers and scoring; proposes handling solutions for examination results meeting the requirements set forth in Articles 32 and 33 of this Regulation, serving as a basis for the Chairman of the Grading Team to approve;

e) Police, security guards, service staff: perform tasks under the direction of the Chairman of the Examination Board;

g) The Chairman of the Examination Board is personally responsible before the Minister of Education and Training and the law for performing assigned tasks; other members of the Examination Board are personally responsible before the Chairman of the Examination Board and the law for their assigned tasks;

Article 29. Shuffling

1. General Provisions

a) The Shuffling Team works independently from other Teams of the Examination Board;

b) Before undertaking the task, the Shuffling Team cooperates with the police force protecting the shuffling area to conduct security and safety checks in accordance with Clause 2 of Article 27 of this Regulation;

c) The Shuffling Team operates under the principle of complete isolation throughout the entire task execution process;

d) The Head/Deputy Head of the Shuffling Team directly performs the shuffling on software within the isolated area and is responsible for protecting the secret key code. Provides the secret key code for merging shuffled numbers only after the Grading Team has completed grading and received written confirmation from the Chairman of the Examination Board;

2. The Chairman of the Examination Board selects one of the following shuffling methods:

a) One-round shuffling: The Shuffling Team must be completely isolated throughout the entire concentrated shuffling period until grading is completed;

b) Two independent rounds of shuffling: Participants in shuffling are divided into two groups, the first round shuffling group and the second round shuffling group; each group works independently and is completely isolated from each other. The first round shuffling group can only leave the isolated area after the second round shuffling group is isolated; the second round shuffling group must be completely isolated throughout the entire concentrated shuffling period until grading is completed;

3. Handover of Answer Sheets and Shuffled Numbers

a) The Shuffling Team hands over sealed bags of answer sheets with shuffled numbers to the Chairman of the Examination Board or the person delegated or authorized by the Chairman. The Chairman decides whether to hand over answer sheets once or according to the grading progress;

b) The Shuffling Team only provides full candidate information along with shuffled numbers (shuffled heads) after the Grading Team has completed grading and received written instructions from the Chairman of the Examination Board;

Article 30. Grading Process

1. Handover and Storage of Answer Sheets:

a) The Examination Board Leadership receives answer sheets that have been shuffled from the Shuffling Team, hands them over to the Secretariat Team; a handover record must be established;

b) According to the Chairman's instructions, the Secretary hands over sealed bags of answer sheets to the Head of the Grading Team; the Head of the Grading Team distributes the bags of answer sheets to examiners through a random draw;

c) Once a bag of answer sheets is graded, the Grading Team hands it back to the Examination Board Secretary; a handover record must be established;

2. Grading:

a) The Grading Team is responsible for discussing and detailing the Grading Guidelines, answers, and grading scales. Scoring sheets provided by the Examination Board must be recorded in a unified team record and submitted to the Chairman of the Examination Board for approval. After the Chairman approves the Grading Guidelines and Scoring Sheets, the Grading Team may proceed with grading;

b) Each Grading Team must grade at least ten sample papers to unify the grading method according to the approved Grading Guidelines, answers, grading scales, and Scoring Sheets before proceeding to pair grading. On graded sample papers, "GRADING SAMPLE" must be written, signed by all members of the Grading Team; a detailed grading record must be established; after grading samples, the Grading Team may propose the Chairman review the Grading Guidelines again if necessary;

c) Before grading answer sheets, examiners must carefully check each sheet to ensure the correct number of shuffled numbers, pages, and cross out all unused blank spaces left by candidates; if suspicious marks or different paper types are found, the Head of the Grading Team must immediately report to the Chairman of the Examination Board for handling according to regulations;

d) If an examiner discovers suspicious phenomena in a candidate's work, they must present it to the entire Grading Team for review, confirmation, and proposed handling, and establish a detailed report to be decided by the Chairman of the Examination Board;

đ) Grading must ensure accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and correct assessment of the candidate's work; grading must strictly follow the approved grading scale; the score of a question is the sum of its component scores; the total score of an answer sheet is the sum of the scores of all questions, without rounding;

e) Each answer sheet in Literature, History, Geography, and Foreign Language subjects is graded independently by at least two examiners. For Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, each subfield must be graded independently by two examiners. Component scores, total scores, and comments (if any) are recorded on the Scoring Sheet; the Scoring Sheet must clearly state the name and signature of the examiner;

g) Independent grading is conducted as follows: The first examiner grades only on the first Scoring Sheet, not recording scores on the candidate's work; the second examiner records detailed scores for each point/question on the margins of the answer sheet corresponding to the graded points/questions while also recording on the second Scoring Sheet. The Secretary verifies the addition of scores on both the first and second Scoring Sheets.

h) For foreign language speaking tests, the examiners directly conduct the assessment on the speaking test software for foreign languages. The code numbers are randomly encoded by the software;

i) Information Technology subject exams are marked on computers using specialized marking software or through local network connections during the examination process.

3. Handling results from two marking sessions:

The Head of the Marking Team receives the answer sheets and marking forms that have been checked by the Secretariat Team for point addition and processing as follows:

a) For answer sheets with point discrepancies due to incorrect point addition, the Head of the Marking Team allows the examiner to adjust and sign in the adjustment position;

b) For answer sheets with point discrepancies not due to incorrect point addition, the Head of the Marking Team organizes the handling of point discrepancies as follows:

All cases where the Head of the Marking Team and the examiners who marked the paper fail to reach an agreement must be brought to the Marking Team for joint marking.

c) Answer sheets without point discrepancies between two marking sessions or with point discrepancies that have been handled according to the provisions at point a and point b of this clause shall be scored by the examiners, recording individual question scores and total scores (in both words and figures) in the designated boxes on the first page of the answer sheet. The examiners record their names and sign in the examiner signature box.

4. Marking papers for the National Olympiad Selection Exam:

a) Conduct joint marking for all Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology papers;

b) Directly mark through local network connections during the examination process for Information Technology papers.

5. Entering Scores:

a) After completing the marking of the answer sheets and recording the scores in the marking records, representatives of the Marking Team and the Secretariat Team enter the scores into the computer by code number: one person reads the scores, another enters them, and a third supervises; after entering the scores, they compare with the scores on the answer sheets to ensure accuracy and jointly confirm and sign;

b) For subjects with two examination days, after unifying the scores for each day, the Head of the Marking Team reports to the Examination Board leadership to hand over to the Code Number Team to combine the scores of the two examination days on the software; receiving the cross-checking code list between the two examination days of the candidates. The candidate's score is the sum of the scores of the two examination days, without rounding;

c) After completing the scoring, the envelope containing the answer sheets of each subject is sealed, and the Marking Team signs and seals the entire envelope and hands it over to the Chairman of the Examination Board.

6. Combining Code Numbers and Scoring:

a) For the National Excellent Student Selection Exam, combining code numbers and scoring can only be carried out after the Chairman of the Examination Board approves the ranking plan for all subjects and reports to the Exam Steering Committee Chair;

b) For the National Olympiad Team Selection Exam, combining code numbers and scoring can only be carried out after the Chairman of the Examination Board has approved the list of candidates (by code number) selected for the national teams to participate in international Olympiads and reports to the Exam Steering Committee Chair;

c) Combining code numbers and scoring is the responsibility of the Examination Board Leadership, Members, and Secretaries and must be conducted under the supervision of a Board Member assigned the task of monitoring.

7. Storing Answer Sheets at the Examination Board:

a) The Director of the Quality Control Department is responsible for storing answer sheets and examination files from the time of receiving answer sheets from the Examination Supervision Boards until the Examination Board begins work;

b) The Chairman of the Examination Board is responsible for storing answer sheets and examination files during the Examination Board's working period. The containers and cabinets holding the answer sheets and examination files must be locked and sealed, and protected 24 hours a day;

c) Proper procedures for sealing, opening seals, transferring answer sheets and examination files, and continuous guarding must be strictly followed;

d) During each marking session, the examiner directly stores the answer sheets from the time of receipt until they are handed back to the Secretariat Team (through the Head of the Marking Team).

Article 31. Reviewing Examination Papers

1. Candidates have the right to request a review of examination papers for the national student excellence selection examination and must submit a request for review according to the prescribed regulations.

2. The application dossier for requesting a review includes:

a) The candidate's application for reviewing examination papers (kept at the examination venue);

b) A letter from the head of the examination venue requesting a review of examination papers, accompanied by a list of candidates requesting a review.

3. Location and deadline for receiving the application dossier for requesting a review: The letter requesting a review of examination papers must be sent to the Quality Management Department within fifteen days from the date of announcing the examination results. Beyond this deadline, requests for review will not be accepted.

4. The Review Board for the national student excellence selection examination:

a) The Review Board shall be established by the Minister of Education and Training upon receipt of a request for review; the Review Board is responsible for regrading the requested examination papers and determining their scores; the composition of the Review Board is similar to that of the Grading Board as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 28 of this Regulation;

b) Examiners of the Grading Board of the examination period may not participate in the Review Board.

5. Retrieving papers, creating new seals:

a) The area where candidates' examination papers are retrieved for review is protected by police;

b) During the process of creating new seals, the old seal must be covered, and the new seal must be accurately created according to the regulations on the answer sheet, ensuring no confusion between seals or papers, and preventing damage to the seals;

c) Examination papers after being given new seals must be sealed in envelopes, with the envelope clearly marked with the paper number and page number before being handed over to the Review Board, under the supervision of the police;

d) For Computer Science subjects, after counting the printed papers and CDs, they should be arranged according to the code of the unit and handed over to the Review Board for automatic grading on computers.

6. Re-grading:

a) The Re-grading Team uses the marking guidelines, answers, and grading scales provided by the Grading Board;

b) The re-grading of examination papers is conducted through joint marking;

c) Before re-grading, each examination paper must be carefully checked to ensure all seals and pages are present;

d) An examination paper can only be considered for score adjustment if the re-grading result differs by more than 5% from the maximum grading scale compared to the original grading result. All cases of score adjustments during re-grading must be agreed upon by the Re-grading Team and representatives of the Grading Team;

đ) The Re-grading Teams compile the re-grading results, submit them for approval by the Chairman of the Board, and report to the Examination Steering Committee;

e) The re-grading results must be announced no later than twenty days from the deadline for submitting re-grading applications.

 

Chapter VI

HANDLING EXAMINATION RESULTS

 

Article 32. Ranking the National Student Excellence Selection Examination

1. Only individual rankings (First, Second, Third, Encouragement) are awarded, based on each subject.

2. After completing the grading of examination papers, the seals are ranked according to the examination scores from highest to lowest to determine the rankings.

3. The ratio of awards for each subject:

The total number of awards, from Encouragement and above, shall not exceed 60% of the number of candidates participating in the examination; among which, the total number of First, Second, and Third awards shall not exceed 60% of the total number of awards, and the number of First awards shall not exceed 5% of the total number of awards.

4. The Grading Team develops a ranking plan and submits it to the Chairman of the Grading Board for consideration and handling according to the regulations.

Article 33. Selection of Students for Olympic Teams

1. After completing the grading of the examination papers for the selection of Olympic teams, unsealed examination papers shall be ranked according to the examination scores from highest to lowest to select candidates for national teams participating in regional and international Olympiads (for subjects not organizing participation in regional Olympiads), ensuring that the number of selected candidates equals the number of members in each team.

2. Students in the national team participating in the International Olympiad for subjects with organized participation in the regional Olympiad shall be selected from among those who have participated in the same year's regional Olympiad, based on the following principle:

a) Rank students according to their total scores from both the selection examination for the Olympic team and the regional Olympiad (the scores of both examinations converted to the same scale) from highest to lowest to select candidates, ensuring that the number of selected students equals the number of members in the national team participating in the International Olympiad;

b) In cases where it is necessary to choose between students with equal total scores from both examinations, the student with the higher score in the regional Olympiad will be selected; in cases where it is necessary to choose between students with equal scores in the regional Olympiad, the Department of Education and Training will organize an additional test to make the selection.

3. The Director of the Quality Assurance Department shall be responsible for submitting to the Minister of Education and Training for approval the list of students in the national teams participating in the International and Regional Olympiads.

Article 34. Issuance of Certificates

1. Certificates in National Student Excellence Selection Examinations

a) A Certificate of Achievement in the National Student Excellence Examination for Secondary School Students shall be issued to contestants who win awards in the examination;

b) A Participation Certificate in the National Student Excellence Examination for Secondary School Students shall be issued to contestants who participate in the examination but do not win awards;

c) A Participation Certificate in the National Student Excellence Examination for Secondary School Students to select candidates for national teams participating in International and Regional Olympiads shall be issued to contestants who participate in the examination.

2. Based on the examination results, the Director of the Quality Assurance Department shall issue Certificates to contestants. Each contestant shall only receive one Certificate.

3. The Director of the Quality Assurance Department has the authority to revoke and cancel Certificates already issued if violations of the Examination Regulations during the examination or incorrect implementation of awarding and issuing Certificates are discovered.

Article 35. Benefits for Students Winning National Excellence Awards

1. Students who win awards in the National Student Excellence Examination shall be issued Certificates and awarded prizes.

2. Students who win awards in the National Student Excellence Examination and have completed high school shall be directly admitted or given priority admission to universities and colleges according to the current regulations of the University Entrance Examination Regulations and the College Entrance Examination Regulations for the Early Childhood Education program.

3. Grade 12 students participating in the selection examination for Olympic teams shall be exempted from the high school graduation examination.

4. Students who are members of the International and Regional Olympic teams shall be directly admitted to universities according to current regulations and given priority to be sent abroad for university education through state scholarships.

 

Chapter VII

REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING REGIME

 

Article 36. Reporting System

1. Examination report: carried out according to the Examination Organization Guidelines.

2. Within the latest fifteen days from the date of organizing the examination period for selecting candidates for the national excellent student competition, participating units shall send the examination questions and marking guidelines of each subject of the examination period for selecting candidates to the Ministry of Education and Training (through the Quality Assurance Department).

Article 37. Archiving Examination Records

1. The Quality Assurance Department shall be responsible for:

a) Permanently archiving: examination result review minutes and ranking; list of examinees with examination results attached; list of students who are members of international and regional Olympic teams; certificate issuance book;

b) Archiving for a limited time, calculated from the last day of the examination period: five years (sixty months) for examination questions and marking guidelines that have been used; two years (twenty-four months) for examinees' papers; one year (twelve months) for examination board supervision, marking, and re-examination files;

c) Proposed examination questions and examination question proposal files for two years (twenty-four months).

2. Participating units shall be responsible for permanently archiving the Decision on Establishing the Candidate Team.

 

Chapter VIII

INSPECTION, AUDIT, VIOLATION HANDLING AND REWARD

 

Article 38. Inspection and Audit

1. The Inspector General of the Ministry of Education and Training decides to establish inspection and audit teams for the preparation work, examination supervision, and marking and re-examination activities of participating units and examination boards; such inspections and audits shall be conducted in accordance with the law; in necessary cases, the Minister of Education and Training decides to establish audit teams.

2. Departments of Education and Training shall arrange staff to meet requirements to participate in the Ministry of Education and Training's inspection and audit teams when requested or assigned tasks according to regulations.

Article 39. Awards

1. Reward recipients: those who participate in organizing the examination and examinees with outstanding achievements in organizing the examination.

CONFIRMATION BY THE AWARDING AGENCY

a) Certificate of Merit from the Director of the Department of Education and Training;

b) Medal of Merit from the Minister of Education and Training, Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces/cities directly under the Central Government (referred to as Provincial People's Committee).

3. Documentation and procedures: the Examination Steering Committee, Examination Question Board, Examination Supervision Board, and Marking Board are responsible units for considering and deciding rewards within their authority and preparing documentation to request rewards from competent authorities for those who participate in organizing the examination and examinees with outstanding achievements in organizing the examination.

Article 40. Receiving and Handling Information and Evidence of Examination Regulations Violations

1. Locations for receiving information and evidence of examination regulations violations:

a) Examination Steering Committee;

b) Examination Supervision Board;

c) Educational and training inspection bodies at all levels.

2. Evidence of examination regulations violations confirmed through verification serves as grounds for handling violators.

3. Providing information and evidence of examination regulations violations:

a) Encouraging examinees, members of various Boards, and all citizens to detect and report violations of examination regulations;

b) Those who discover violations of examination regulations must promptly report to the locations specified in Clause 1 of this Article for appropriate measures to be taken;

c) Those who have evidence of examination regulations violations must immediately report to the locations specified in Clause 1 of this Article for timely handling in accordance with the law. The reception and handling of examination regulation violation reports are carried out in accordance with the law on complaints;

d) Individuals providing information and evidence of examination regulations violations must bear legal responsibility for the reliability and accuracy of the provided information and evidence; they may not abuse this to negatively impact the examination.

4. Organizations and individuals entrusted with receiving information and evidence of negative practices and examination regulations violations must:

a) Organize the reception of information and evidence in accordance with regulations; protect the original state of evidence; verify information and evidence after reception and propose measures to handle negative practices and examination regulations violations to competent authorities;

b) Promptly implement measures to prevent negative practices and examination regulations violations in accordance with regulations;

c) Handle within their authority or report to competent agencies/persons for handling and publicly announce the results of handling individuals and organizations with negative practices and examination regulations violations;

d) Protect the confidentiality of the identity of individuals providing information and evidence related to negative practices and examination regulations violations.

5. The verification and resolution of complaints and reports about the examination after the Examination Board is dissolved shall be handled in accordance with the law on complaint and appeal resolution.

Article 41. Handling of individuals participating in organizing examinations and related individuals who violate the Examination Regulations

1. Individuals participating in organizing examinations who are civil servants or public officials committing acts in violation of the Examination Regulations (discovered during or after the examination period) shall be suspended from examination-related work and the competent authority managing civil servants and public officials shall apply provisions of laws on civil servants and public officials to impose disciplinary measures in the following forms:

a) Reprimand for those who commit violations for the first time with actions below the level specified in points b, c, d of this clause while performing their duties;

b) Warning for those who commit one of the following offenses: Allowing candidates to cheat and bring unauthorized materials or items into the examination room; marking exams incorrectly according to the marking guidelines or adding points to exam papers with numerous errors; setting questions outside the content prescribed in Article 5 of these Regulations; transmitting examination data not in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training;

c) Depending on the severity of the violation, they may be subject to demotion in pay grade, demotion in rank, dismissal, or transfer to other work for those who commit one of the following offenses: Setting questions outside the scientific content of the exam/test; directly solving exam questions or guiding candidates during the examination; handing over a candidate's paper to another candidate; cheating when marking exams, giving points not in accordance with regulations, exceeding the range or lowering a candidate's score;

d) Termination of employment or referral for criminal responsibility pursuit for those who commit one of the following violations: Taking examination questions out of the examination area or bringing solutions from outside into the examination room during the examination; leaking examination questions, buying or selling examination questions; leaking examination number; tampering with, adding to, or subtracting from a candidate's answer sheet; intentionally altering scores on the answer sheet, on the marking record, or in the score sheet; swapping answer sheets, examination numbers, or scores of candidates; deceit in correcting academic records or candidate files;

đ) Individuals who lose candidates' answer sheets during collection, transportation, storage, marking, or other violations in examination organization, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, will be disciplined according to one of the disciplinary forms stipulated in this Article.

2. Civil servants and public officials not participating in organizing examinations but engaging in actions such as: Taking the exam on behalf of others, organizing the removal of examination questions and bringing solutions into the examination room for candidates, disseminating false information affecting the examination negatively, causing disturbances leading to disorder in the examination area, will be subject to administrative penalties and recommended for termination of employment.

3. Individuals participating in organizing examinations and those involved in examination organization who are not civil servants or public officials committing acts in violation of the Examination Regulations (discovered during or after the examination period), depending on the severity, will be subject to administrative penalties and handled according to labor laws by the competent authority; suspension from study for a period or forced withdrawal from studies (if they are students) when committing one of the offenses specified in points b, c, d, đ of Clause 1 of this Article.

4. The forms of handling violations prescribed in Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 3 of this Article shall be decided by the competent agency or organization according to the prescribed procedures.

Article 42. Handling Candidates Who Violate the Examination Regulations

All violations of the examination regulations shall be recorded in a report, subject to disciplinary action, and notified to the candidate.

1. Reprimand:

a) For candidates who commit a single offense for the first time; looking at another candidate's paper or exchanging papers with another candidate;

b) The form of this disciplinary action shall be decided by the invigilator in the report.

2. Warning:

a) For candidates who violate any of the following offenses: Having been reprimanded once but continuing to violate the examination regulations during the examination period at the level of reprimand; exchanging answer sheets or scratch paper with other candidates; copying another candidate's work or allowing another candidate to copy their work;

b) The warning disciplinary action shall be decided by the invigilator in the report, accompanied by evidence (if any).

3. Suspension from Examination:

a) For candidates who violate any of the following offenses: Having been disciplined with a warning once but continuing to violate the examination regulations during the examination period at the level of reprimand or warning; bringing prohibited items into the examination room; taking the examination questions out of the examination room or receiving answers from outside; writing or drawing on the examination answer sheet irrelevant content; engaging in aggressive or threatening behavior towards those responsible for the examination or threatening other candidates;

b) The invigilator shall record the violation, collect evidence (if any), and report to the Chairman of the Examination Board. Candidates whose examinations are terminated must submit their examination papers, questions, and scratch paper to the invigilator and leave the examination room immediately upon the decision being made and may only leave the examination area after the examination session has ended;

c) Candidates whose examinations are terminated in any year will have their results for that examination year nullified.

4. Deducting Points from Examination Papers

a) Candidates who are reprimanded during an examination shall have 25% of the total points of that examination deducted;

b) Candidates who are warned during an examination shall have 50% of the total points of that examination deducted;

c) Examination papers marked as having irregularities discovered during marking shall have 50% of the total points of that examination deducted;

d) Awarding zero points: Examination papers copied from unauthorized materials brought into the examination room; having two or more answer sheets for one examination; examination papers with handwriting from two or more people; parts of the examination written on unauthorized scratch paper or examination paper;

đ) Candidates whose examinations are terminated shall receive zero points for that examination and shall not be allowed to continue with subsequent examinations;

e) The deduction of points for examination papers as stipulated in Point c and d of this Clause shall be decided by the Chairman of the Marking Board based on a written report from the Marking Team.

5. Nullifying Examination Results for Candidates: Writing or drawing irrelevant content on the examination paper; allowing others to take the examination in their place or doing the examination for others in any form; altering, adding to, or subtracting from submitted work; using someone else's work to submit.

6. Nullifying Examination Results and Preparing Documentation to be Sent to Competent Authorities for Consideration and Handling According to Legal Provisions for Candidates Who Violate Any of the Following Offenses:

a) Allowing others to take the examination in their place or doing the examination for others in any form;

b) Engaging in disruptive or destructive actions during the examination; assaulting those involved in organizing the examination or other candidates.

7. For violations with criminal indications, educational management agencies shall prepare documentation to be sent to competent authorities for consideration and handling according to legal provisions; for other violations, disciplinary actions shall be taken according to the forms prescribed in this Article depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

 

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION

 

Article 43. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Education and Training

1. Establish the Examination Steering Committee to direct the organization of the examination period; decide on measures to handle special cases due to natural disasters, epidemics, and other unusual situations.

2. Direct the organization of inspection and supervision of the implementation of the Examination Regulations and guidance on organizing examinations.

3. Develop examination questions, organize grading for national student excellence selection examinations held annually.

Article 44. Responsibilities of the Provincial People's Committee

1. Approve plans, schemes, and budgets for organizing the examination period submitted by the Department of Education and Training.

2. Direct relevant provincial departments/offices/agencies to cooperate with the Department of Education and Training to prepare necessary conditions and organize the national student excellence selection examination according to regulations.

Article 45. Responsibilities of the Department of Education and Training

1. Advise the Provincial People's Committee on plans, schemes, and budgets for organizing the examination at the local level.

2. Direct and implement student excellence examinations at the local level, perform examination duties according to the Examination Regulations and guidelines from the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Direct, organize, manage examination files, prepare material conditions to serve the organization of national student excellence selection examinations; coordinate with related units to organize student excellence examinations.

4. Publicize the method of selecting students to join the national student excellence selection examination team; organize the selection and formation of teams to participate in the national student excellence selection examination; implement registration requirements and be responsible for candidates' application files; submit lists of team members participating in the national student excellence selection examination along with examination questions and marking guidelines during the team selection examination to the Ministry of Education and Training.

5. The head of the unit is responsible for mobilizing and creating all necessary conditions for civil servants, staff, and teachers to participate in the examination as required and requested by the Ministry of Education and Training.

6. Organize the handover of certificates from the national student excellence selection examination to candidates.

7. Implement commendation and disciplinary actions against those involved in organizing the examination, candidates, and others within the scope of authority stipulated; propose commendation and disciplinary actions according to the Examination Regulations and relevant laws for those involved in organizing the examination and candidates.

8. Any difficulties encountered during the organization of the examination must be promptly reported to the Ministry of Education and Training (through the Quality Management Bureau) for consideration and resolution.

Article 46. Responsibilities of higher education institutions

1. The head of the unit is responsible for mobilizing and creating all necessary conditions for staff, lecturers, and teachers to participate in the examination as required and requested by the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Perform other tasks related to organizing the national student excellence selection examination when assigned by the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Higher education institutions with high schools specializing in certain subjects shall carry out the tasks set forth in Clauses 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of Article 45 of this Regulation.

Article 47. Responsibilities of secondary schools

1. The head of the unit is responsible for creating all necessary conditions for staff and teachers to participate in the examination as required and requested by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Department of Education and Training.

2. Carry out tasks related to organizing the examination when assigned by the Ministry of Education and Training, the Department of Education and Training, and/or higher education institutions (for specialized secondary schools under higher education institutions)./