From 2026, applicants to military universities will have an additional pathway through the QDA competency assessment exam organized by the Ministry of National Defense. The test will be computer-based with a total score of 150.
Starting in 2026, admissions to military academies and officer training schools will include this new selection method, as the Ministry of National Defense officially introduces the Specialized Competency Assessment (QDA). The results of this exam will be used for admission to undergraduate and college programs across all 23 military academies and schools.
According to the Military Admissions Board under the Ministry of National Defense, the QDA exam is expected to take place in the third week of June, after students complete the national high school graduation exam. The schedule may be adjusted to align with the Ministry of Education and Training’s plan and will be announced at least one month in advance.
Test held in three regions, computer-based format
In the first year of implementation, the exam will be conducted at three locations representing the North, Central, and South: the Military Technical Academy (Hanoi), the Signal Officers Training College (Khanh Hoa), and Army Officer College No. 2 (Dong Nai). In the following years, additional test sites may be added depending on demand.
Candidates will take the exam directly on computers in standardised testing rooms. The system will automatically grade the test and display results immediately after submission or when the time expires, ensuring transparency and objectivity.
Test structure: total score of 150
The QDA exam is developed by the Military Admissions Board in collaboration with the Institute of Digital Training and Testing under Vietnam National University, Hanoi. It is aligned with the 2018 General Education Curriculum and focuses on assessing core competencies and thinking skills.
The exam has a total score of 150, divided into three sections, each worth up to 50 points:
Section 1 – Mathematics and Data Processing (80 minutes):
50 questions including multiple-choice and short-answer items to assess quantitative reasoning.
Section 2 – Literature and Language (55 minutes):
50 multiple-choice questions evaluating qualitative thinking and language ability through contextualised tasks.
Section 3 – Science or English (60 minutes):
Candidates choose one of the two options. If selecting Science, they will choose one of four subject combinations: Physics–Chemistry, Chemistry–Biology, Physics–Biology, or History–Geography. If selecting English, the test includes 50 multiple-choice questions on vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.
Pre-screening requirement
To be eligible for the QDA exam, candidates must be Grade 12 students or high school graduates and must complete the mandatory military pre-screening process. Local military admissions boards or units will verify candidates’ eligibility in terms of health, political background, and moral standards in accordance with military regulations.
Four admission methods in 2026
In 2026, military academies and schools will apply four parallel admission pathways:
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Direct admission in accordance with Ministry of Education and Training regulations
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Admission based on the 2026 National High School Graduation Exam results
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Admission based on competency assessment results from Vietnam National University, Hanoi and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
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Admission based on the QDA exam results organized by the Ministry of National Defense
The introduction of this dedicated exam demonstrates the Ministry of National Defense’s proactive approach in selecting candidates with the competencies required for training and for the modernization of the military in the new era.
Source: VTV News
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