Students study for the high school graduation exam at the Lê Quý Đôn High School for Gifted Students in Lai Châu northern mountainous province. — VNA/VNS Photo Quý Trung

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has asked ministries, provinces and cities to closely direct, prepare for and coordinate exams this year.

In the Directive No 15/CT-TTg, which has been sent to all those involved, the PM stressed the importance of getting details right in terms of the high school graduation exam and university and vocational entrance exams.

The directive clearly states that in recent years the tests have become increasingly serious, with honesty and safety now even more important, to meet the goal of evaluating the general education quality and student capacity.

However, it is clear that overseeing exams can have some shortcomings and limitations and some local areas have not been as proactive as they could be. Coordination is not good enough. Communication is not complete and timely. Cheating in exams is increasingly sophisticated and complex.

PM Chính asked all those involved to handle in the most effective way any problems that may arise to create the most favourable conditions for candidates.

The Ministry of Education and Training must issue documents to guide the exam organisation, ensure quality questions and promote information technology applications to service the exams.

It should coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and localities to prevent and combat different forms of cheating during the exams, in addition to carrying out inspections and supervision.

The provincial and municipal people's committee is responsible for developing plans and preparing the staff, material resources and other necessary conditions for the exams, in particular if there is an unusual situation during the exam period, such as harsh weather.

They provide valuable training to all those involved and monitor the exam preparation according to regulations.

Localities’ duties also include deploying disease prevention and control, ensuring food safety and taking care of candidates' health.

They should create favourable conditions for travel, meals and rest for candidates and their relatives at exam sites, especially for poorer candidates, the ones from mountainous and remote areas or those from ethnic groups areas.

Provinces and cities must coordinate with press agencies to provide full and transparent information about the exams so that the people and the society can understand and agree at the organisation stages.

The work of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs is to instruct vocational education institutions in terms of recruitment and offer career counselling to students.

PM Chính has assigned the Ministry of Public Security to combine with the education sector and relevant agencies to ensure absolute security and safety for the exams.

The Ministry of Health bears the responsibility of ensuring disease prevention and control, environmental sanitation and food safety. It also needs to have staff and medical equipment on hand for candidates who get sick and those taking an exam who already have health problems.

The Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union is ready to support students and their families and ensure order and safety during the exams. — VNS