PHNOM PENH– Ten years after the Bac II exam underwent reforms, many parents expressed pride as their children completed the final stage of high school. The Ministry of Education also celebrated the successful outcomes of these changes.

This year, the national exam is scheduled for October 8 and 9, with 137,040 candidates registered to participate. Following the Pchum Ben holiday, students quickly returned from their celebrations to prepare for the exam.

Having waited eagerly for this moment, Yoy Yean, a parent from Kampong Cham province, was overcome with emotion as he stood outside the exam center at Preah Sisowath High School.

Yean has three children, but his oldest and youngest dropped out of school after the ninth grade. His middle son, living with his grandfather in Phnom Penh, had persevered through secondary school.

“I don't have the words,” Yean said, his voice filled with pride. “This son has always been determined to get an education. I'm so happy he's made it this far. He dreamed of getting an A, but I don't know if it's possible. I wish him the best.”

When asked about his son's future, Yean replied, “I'll let him decide his own path. I just hope he finds a decent job and a good life.”

Ly Theary, a parent from Kampuchea Krom, had prepared a meal for her daughter at 4:00 AM. Having returned to Cambodia and settled in Phnom Penh years ago, Theary harbored the hope that her children would receive a quality education in their homeland.

Sitting on a reed mat outside the exam center, Theary's face was illuminated by a warm smile. She shared that her daughter had studied tirelessly, often forgoing breaks in her pursuit of a perfect score.

"I'm filled with pride," Theary expressed. "She even asked me if I would be disappointed if she didn't get an A. I assured her that passing the exam itself was a significant achievement."

Prior to the 2014 exam reforms, cheating was prevalent, undermining the credibility of national examinations. Since the reforms, students have become more aware of the consequences and are fearful of instant failure if caught.

Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron stated that in the initial year of the reforms, there were still instances of cheating, copying from others, and bringing unauthorized materials into exam centers, resulting in failure and disciplinary action.

The Ministry identified these issues and implemented solutions, such as providing condensed lessons and additional classes.

“This is not solely about the exam,” he explained. “We consider the results as a benchmark for reforming the curriculum.”

This year, 39,358 or 30 percent are enrolled in science programs, while 97,682, or 70 percent are pursuing social science studies. Last year, the science track had a total of 41,379 students, while the social sciences track had 96,033 students, showing a decline in students interested in the pure sciences.

Naron explained that in the past, the science track exam was considered easier because candidates only needed to answer multiple-choice questions and calculate exact answers, and they could copy from each other. In contrast, the social science exam required students to demonstrate their knowledge through well-written responses.

“We noticed that most high-achieving students were from the science program,” Naron said. “However, now students from the social science track can also attain top grades.”

“We need students with a strong foundation in science,” he continued. “But those with specific skills, regardless of whether they choose science or social science, can excel in their chosen field.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the annual high school exam was suspended for a year, resulting in automatic passes for all candidates. Subsequently, the exam, which was traditionally held in August, was postponed to November, December, or January.

This year, Minister Naron explained that the exam was scheduled for October to align with the usual August timeframe. This decision aims to streamline the process for students applying for scholarships abroad, preventing overcrowding at examination centers.

Last year, the exam was held in November with 137,412 students. Of these, 73,278 were females. 98,460 candidates passed the Bac II exam, accounting for 72.89 percent of the total, a slight increase from 2022's 72.33 percent.