Students take part in the national high school exam in the academic year of 2019-2020 in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has told the Ministry of Education and Training to prioritise the safety of students when holding the upcoming national high school exam due to the complex developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ministry should take full responsibility for organising the national exam scientifically and carefully to ensure no unexpected incidents occur.

At a Government meeting on Monday, Minister of Education and Training Phùng Xuân Nhạ reported on the plan to hold this year's high school graduation exam.

Nhạ said preparations for the exam have basically been completed. Previously, the ministry held a meeting with the steering committees on the high school exam in localities to discuss how to organise the exam.

The ministry has proposed two plans for the exam.

Students in localities free of the virus and committed to ensuring safety conditions will be allowed to hold the exam as previously scheduled.

Students in localities applying social distancing or listed as F1 and F2 categories will take the exam later. The ministry will require universities to adjust enrolment plans to protect the rights of students.

The examination is scheduled for August 8-10 nationwide, two months later than in previous years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Candidates will take compulsory tests in math, literature and foreign languages and will have the option of choosing tests in natural sciences or social sciences.

The ministry will work with the Ministry of Health to ensure the safety of exam candidates.

PM Phúc said the issue had drawn a lot of public attention and asked the Ministry of Education and Training to strictly comply with the Education Law.

The high school graduation exam organisation was assigned to the leaders of the people's committees of localities. The ministry is responsible for the content of the exam.

He urged the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Health and concerned ministries to ensure the safety of students, parents and teachers. The time for the examination and other related issues would need specific plans to ensure public safety. — VNS