The entrance exams began with Group A tests in mathematics, physics and chemistry that will wrap up on July 5.

The Ministry of Education and Training said 2.2 million candidates have applied this year, an increase of 18 percent over last year.

The Ministry said this year’s enrollment target is 232.634.12 percent higher than the previous year. More than 100,000 lecturers and students acted as proctors.

Tests in physics, chemistry, biology and foreign languages are in multiple-choice format.

The tests for Groups B. C and D will be held from July 8 to 10, and for colleges from July 14 to 16.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training, Banh Tien Long, has asked all universities and colleges to ensure security at exam sites. He also required exam questions to be kept confidential. During the exam time, proctors, supervisors, policemen and medical staff are not allowed to carry mobile phones.

Mr Long also directed exam organisers to be prepared for any eventuality during the exam period, such as blackouts, storms, floods, fires or students falling sick.

Since July 3 the police have been mobilized to prevent traffic jams and keep order at exam venues. The People’s Police Academy has sent 300 students to help prevent traffic congestion in Hanoi during the exam period.

More than 15,000 students are also taking part in the Exam Volunteers Programme organised by Hanoi’s Communist Youth Union and Students Support Association. They are positioned at bus stations and exams venues to show young candidates to their right places.