According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the first phase is being conducted in 62 universities and institutions on July 4-5. The number of candidates for leading universities in Hanoi fell dramatically compared to last year. Hanoi University of Technology saw 69.16 percent of the turnout, Hanoi University of Economics 57 percent, Hanoi University of Transport 60 percent and Hanoi University of Foreign Trade 51 percent.

However, high turnouts were seen in several regional universities such as Thai Nguyen University (73.5 percent), Tay Bac University (74.21 percent), Can Tho University (76.73 percent), An Giang University (74 percent) and Dong Thap University (77 percent).

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Banh Tien Long said like previous years, this year’s tests focus on knowledge that candidates have learnt during their three-year upper secondary school. He said the ministry prepared only a few questions to encourage the 12^th graders’ creativity and wisdom.

Mr Long said the ministry asked all exam councils to enhance inspection and deal with any frauds to ensure equality for the candidates.   

For the first time Hanoi Police provided cordless headsets for its security staff at all exam councils to ensure smooth communications.

Traffic police and volunteer students were mobilised during rush hours to clear traffic and instruct candidates to exam councils on time.

Nguyen Thi Khoi, a volunteer student from Hanoi University of Economics said she and her peers have agreed to be on duty from 05.00 to 17.30 throughout the three phases of the exams, mostly at bus and railway stations and university gates to help examinees.