A Standards-referenced Reporting (SRR) system is adopted for the HKDSE, in which candidates’ performances are reported with reference to a set of standards. Except for Citizenship and Social Development^, candidates’ performance is reported in five levels (levels 1 to 5), with 5 being the highest. The level 5 candidates with the best performance are awarded a 5**, and the next top group of candidates are awarded a 5*. Attainment below level 1 is designated as ‘Unclassified’. The results of Citizenship and Social Development are reported in one level, ‘Attained’. Achievements below ‘Attained’ are designated as ‘Unattained’.
Heads of Universities Committee (HUCOM) has decided that the General Entrance Requirements of the four core subjects for HKDSE candidates will be revised as ‘332A’, i.e. ‘332’ and ‘Attained (A)’, beginning from the admission of the 2024/25 intake. For details, please click here.
For more details on Standards-referenced Reporting, please click here.
^ The optimising proposals for the four Senior Secondary core subjects (i.e. Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics Compulsory Part and Citizenship and Social Development in lieu of Liberal Studies) were jointly endorsed by the Curriculum Development Council and the Public Examinations Board of the HKEAA in 2021. The proposals were also accepted by the Education Bureau (EDB). The optimising measures have been implemented at Secondary 4 in the 2021/22 school year and applicable to the HKDSE starting from 2024. Please click here for details.