Surge in Diploma of Secondary Education candidates: Over 55,000 students set to take exams

More than 55,000 students are set to take the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams, marking a 10 percent increase from last year, according to the exam authority on Tuesday.

Among the 55,432 candidates, 45,478 are secondary six school candidates, while 10,303 are private candidates.

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) noted that the numbers for both school and private candidates have risen compared to the previous year.

In addition to the four compulsory subjects -- Chinese language, English language, Mathematics, and Citizenship and Social Development -- 50 percent of school candidates opted for two elective subjects, and another 40 percent chose three.

The authority said that these figures remain consistent with last year’s statistics. This year is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first instance where DSE candidates can select Korean language exams, alongside traditional options like Japanese, French, Spanish, and German.

Among the 770 students taking these language exams, Japanese remains the most popular, with 586 pupils enrolled, while the newly introduced Korean subject attracted 91 attendees.

Students' results in the official proficiency test for each language can be included in their DSE results, and they must submit the relevant scores to the authority by February 28.

Also, the authority announced that admission forms for students taking the practical exams in Physical Education and Music subjects will be issued within this week.

School candidates will receive the forms through their secondary schools, while private candidates will get them by mail.

(Eunice Lam)