HKDSE 2027 is the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination that Secondary 6 students in Hong Kong will sit in spring 2027. It is run by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). This guide covers the official 2027 dates, the four core subjects, how levels and "Attained" work, fees, private candidate rules, the Maths paper format and a study plan. Facts come from HKEAA and other official pages.
Key takeaways
- HKDSE 2027 written exams run from 6 April to 3 May 2027 (tentative), with 4 May 2027 as a reserve day.
- Results come out on 14 July 2027 (tentative), according to the HKEAA Important Dates page.
- The four core subjects are Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Citizenship and Social Development (CSD).
- Most subjects are graded at levels 1 to 5, with 5* and 5** at the top. CSD is graded only "Attained" or "Unattained".
- The minimum core requirement for UGC-funded degree places is "332A", not the old "3322".
What is HKDSE 2027, and who runs it?
Quick answer: HKDSE 2027 is Hong Kong's public exam at the end of six years of secondary school. The HKEAA sets and runs it. Most school candidates take four core subjects plus two or three electives. Written papers run from 6 April to 3 May 2027 (tentative), and results are due on 14 July 2027 (tentative).
The HKEAA HKDSE introduction page says students take the HKDSE after three years of junior and three years of senior secondary school. The first HKDSE was held in 2012.
Subjects sit in three groups: Category A (core and elective subjects), Category B (Applied Learning) and Category C (Other Languages). A candidate may enter for up to eight subjects from any mix of these.
If you are comparing systems, our guides to the Gaokao, the Suneung and the IB Diploma Programme explain how other school-leaving exams work.
When is HKDSE 2027? Key dates for the 2027 cycle
All dates below are for the 2027 exam cycle. They come from the HKEAA Important Dates page and the 2027 HKDSE Examination Timetable (revised version).
HKDSE 2027 key dates from the HKEAA (2027 cycle).
Registration ran from 11 September to 7 October 2026 and is closed. Late entry runs 16 November to 4 December 2026. English speaking exams run 9 to 18 March 2027. Written exams run 6 April to 3 May 2027, with 4 May as a reserve day. Results come out on 14 July 2027. Dates after registration are tentative.
| Event (2027 cycle) | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Registration (school and private candidates) | 11 September to 7 October 2026 | Closed |
| Late entry / subject amendment | 16 November to 4 December 2026 | Tentative |
| Deadline for withdrawal | 30 November 2026 | Scheduled |
| PE and Music practical exams | Mid-February to late March 2027 | Tentative |
| English Language speaking exams | 9 to 18 March 2027 (SEN sessions 20 March) | Tentative |
| Written exams (Category A) | 6 April to 3 May 2027 | Tentative |
| Reserve day | 4 May 2027 | In timetable |
| Release of results | 14 July 2027 | Tentative |
Keep the whole exam period free, including the reserve day, in case a paper is moved.
What are the main core paper dates in 2027?
From the 2027 timetable:
- Chinese Language Papers 1 and 2: Thursday 8 April 2027
- English Language Papers 1 and 2: Friday 9 April 2027
- English Language Paper 3 (Listening and Integrated Skills): Saturday 10 April 2027
- Mathematics Compulsory Part Papers 1 and 2: Monday 12 April 2027
- Citizenship and Social Development: Tuesday 13 April 2027, 8:30 to 10:30
- Mathematics Extended Part Modules 1 and 2: Friday 23 April 2027, 8:30 to 11:00
Chemistry is on 15 April, Biology on 19 April and Physics on 21 April. Check your Admission Form for exact times.
The HKDSE 2027 cycle at a glance.
Registration opened on 11 September 2026 and closed on 7 October 2026. The late entry window opens on 16 November 2026. English speaking exams start on 9 March 2027. Written exams start on 6 April 2027. Results are due on 14 July 2027 (tentative).
Which subjects are in HKDSE 2027?
The HKEAA Category A subjects page lists four core subjects and many electives.
Core subjects:
- Chinese Language
- English Language
- Mathematics (Compulsory Part)
- Citizenship and Social Development (CSD), which replaced Liberal Studies from the 2024 HKDSE
Elective subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, History, Chinese History, Business, Accounting and Financial Studies (BAFS), ICT, Music and Visual Arts. In all, 23 Senior Secondary subjects are offered in Category A.
What are Maths M1 and M2?
Mathematics has a Compulsory Part and an Extended Part. You may take the Compulsory Part only, or the Compulsory Part plus one module:
- Module 1 (M1): Calculus and Statistics
- Module 2 (M2): Algebra and Calculus
At registration, the HKEAA counts the Compulsory Part and Extended Part as one subject. Universities decide how M1 or M2 counts for their own programmes. For example, PolyU's general entrance page treats the Extended Modules as an elective.
If you are into calculus, our A-level Maths guide shows how a similar topic set is examined in the UK.
How is HKDSE graded? Levels 1 to 5** and "Attained"
The HKDSE uses Standards-referenced Reporting: results are matched to a set of standards. The HKEAA reporting system page explains:
- Category A subjects (except CSD) are reported in levels 1 to 5, with 5 the highest.
- The best level 5 candidates get 5**, and the next top group gets 5*.
- Below level 1 is "Unclassified".
- CSD is reported in one level only: "Attained". Below that is "Unattained".
HKDSE subjects and how each one is graded.
Chinese and English are graded at levels 1 to 5** and have school-based assessment. Mathematics is graded at levels 1 to 5**. CSD is graded "Attained" or "Unattained". You can add one Maths module, M1 or M2, which is also graded at levels 1 to 5**. Most students take two or three electives, such as Physics. The university minimum is "332A", and each university sets its own elective rules.
What is school-based assessment (SBA)?
SBA is assessment done in school by your own subject teachers. The marks count towards your HKDSE result. The HKEAA SBA page lists the subjects with SBA:
- Core: Chinese Language and English Language
- Electives: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Chinese Literature, Design and Applied Technology, Health Management and Social Care, ICT, Literature in English, Technology and Living and Visual Arts
Mathematics has no SBA. School candidates must complete SBA in their SBA subjects.
Private candidates do not need to do SBA, except in Visual Arts. Their subject marks come fully from the public exam. In Visual Arts, SBA carries 50%, so private candidates submit a portfolio instead.
What is the HKDSE Maths paper format?
The HKEAA 2027 Mathematics Assessment Framework sets out the papers.
| Paper | Question type | Weighting | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Part Paper 1 | Conventional (written) | 65% | 2 hours 15 minutes | Section A(1) 35, A(2) 35, B 35 |
| Compulsory Part Paper 2 | Multiple choice | 35% | 1 hour 15 minutes | Section A 2/3, Section B 1/3 of marks |
| Module 1 (Calculus and Statistics) | Conventional | 100% | 2 hours 30 minutes | Section A 50, Section B 50 |
| Module 2 (Algebra and Calculus) | Conventional | 100% | 2 hours 30 minutes | Section A 50, Section B 50 |
In Paper 1, Section A(1) has 8 to 11 elementary questions, Section A(2) has 4 to 7 harder questions and Section B has 4 to 7 questions. All questions must be answered. Calculators are allowed. On 12 April 2027, Paper 1 runs 8:30 to 10:45 and Paper 2 runs 11:30 to 12:45.
Each module paper has Section A with 8 to 12 short questions (50 marks) and Section B with 3 to 5 long questions (50 marks).
A worked HKDSE-style Maths example
Quadratic inequalities often appear in the Compulsory Part. Here is one, solved step by step.
Worked example: solving a quadratic inequality.
Question: solve 2x^2 - 5x - 3 < 0.
- Factorise. 2x^2 - 5x - 3 = (2x + 1)(x - 3). Check: 2x^2 - 6x + x - 3 = 2x^2 - 5x - 3.
- Find the roots. 2x + 1 = 0 gives x = -1/2. x - 3 = 0 gives x = 3.
- Think about the graph. The x^2 term is positive, so the parabola opens upwards. It is below zero between the roots.
- Answer: -1/2 < x < 3.
- Check. Try x = 0: 2(0) - 0 - 3 = -3, which is less than 0. True, and 0 is inside the range.
A common mistake is writing x < -1/2 or x > 3, which is the answer for "> 0". Sketch the curve first. For more practice, see our guide to solving quadratic equations three ways.
Book a free demo class with an Asymptode maths mentor, or see our plans and fees.
How much are the HKDSE 2027 fees?
The HKEAA 2027 list of exam fees gives these amounts in Hong Kong dollars.
| Fee (HKDSE 2027) | Permanent HKID holder | No Permanent HKID |
|---|---|---|
| Language subject (Chinese or English), per subject | HK$808 | HK$2,058 |
| Other subject, per subject | HK$540 | HK$1,790 |
| Initial fee (private candidates only) | HK$619 | HK$619 |
Subject fees apply to all candidates, school and private. The initial fee is for private candidates only. Eligible candidates sitting at designated Mainland centres pay a HK$8,000 initial fee instead.
Other supplementary fees for 2027:
- Late payment: HK$321 per candidate, plus subject fees
- Late entry (16 November to 4 December 2026): HK$498 plus subject fees. After 4 December: HK$996 plus subject fees
- Special Entry application: HK$2,500 per application, not refundable
Late entry is normally not accepted after 4 December 2026, and never after 18 March 2027.
Can I take HKDSE 2027 as a private candidate?
Yes, if you meet the rules. The HKEAA Instructions to Applicants (Private Candidates) say you may enter directly if:
- You have sat a previous HKDSE, or
- You reach the age of 19 by 1 January 2027.
If you meet neither rule, you may apply for Special Entry. To do this you must show that you have sat a public exam equal to the HKDSE, or are taking or have finished a non-HKDSE curriculum equal to Secondary 6. The Special Entry deadline for 2027 was 7 October 2026.
Other private candidate rules for 2027:
- You cannot enter for Design and Applied Technology.
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Technology and Living need proof of earlier study or exams in that subject.
- You can enter as a school candidate or a private candidate, not both.
International families should note that candidates must meet any visa or stay conditions to sit the HKDSE in Hong Kong.
Which universities accept HKDSE results?
Hong Kong universities and JUPAS
Students apply to Hong Kong degree places through JUPAS. The JUPAS website lists nine institutions: CityUHK, HKBU, Lingnan University, CUHK, EdUHK, PolyU, HKUST, HKU and Hong Kong Metropolitan University.
What is "332A", and is "3322" still used?
"3322" was the old rule from the Liberal Studies years. The HKEAA local recognition page states that the Heads of Universities Committee (HUCOM) set a new minimum for the 2024/25 intake onwards:
- Chinese Language: level 3
- English Language: level 3
- Mathematics Compulsory Part: level 2
- CSD: "Attained"
This is called "332A". It is the minimum to apply for degree programmes at University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions. Each institution then sets its own rules for electives. For example, PolyU's general entrance page asks for two electives at level 3. Always check the programme page on JUPAS for your course.
Is HKDSE recognised outside Hong Kong?
The HKEAA recognition page says students can apply directly to non-local universities with HKDSE results. It states that 165 Mainland higher education institutions and around 130 Taiwan institutions have admitted Hong Kong students on HKDSE results. It also lists recognition in Australia, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Austria. Check each university's admissions page. Students eyeing Singapore can read our guide on how to get into NUS.
How should I prepare for HKDSE 2027?
Written exams start on 6 April 2027. Here is a simple plan.
- November to December 2026: Check your subjects. Use the late entry window if you need changes. Finish SBA tasks on time.
- January 2027: Do one full past paper per core subject. Mark it honestly and list your three weakest topics.
- February 2027: Fix those weak topics. For Maths, redo Section A(2) and Section B questions until your working is clean.
- March 2027: Prepare for English speaking (9 to 18 March, tentative). Do timed papers each week.
- Early April 2027: Short, calm review. Check your Admission Form and centre. Keep 4 May free as a reserve day.
What mistakes do HKDSE students make?
- Ignoring Paper 2 timing. It is 1 hour 15 minutes of multiple choice. Practise with a timer.
- Skipping working in Paper 1. Paper 1 is 65% of your Maths result. Show every step.
- Forgetting CSD. You need "Attained" for 332A.
- Not checking elective rules. 332A is only the core minimum.
- No study rhythm. Our guide on how many hours of maths tutoring per week helps you plan.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with HKDSE 2027
Asymptode gives each student one dedicated maths and science mentor:
- Live online 1-on-1, built around your HKDSE dates. Your mentor follows your own syllabus (Compulsory Part, M1 or M2, Physics, Chemistry or Biology) and plans back from your paper dates in April 2027.
- Method first. Your mentor watches each step of your working, so Paper 1 marks are not lost on method. Paper 2 practice builds speed and accuracy.
- Personalised homework with feedback. You get past-paper style tasks matched to your weak topics, with clear feedback on each one.
- Clear updates and recordings. Parents get short progress updates, and every class is recorded so you can rewatch hard steps. For Chinese, English or CSD, the mentor helps with planning and study method only.
You can start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 7 November 2026.
FAQ
When does HKDSE 2027 start?
HKDSE 2027 written exams start on 6 April 2027 and end on 3 May 2027 (tentative). The reserve day is 4 May 2027. English speaking exams run earlier, from 9 to 18 March 2027 (tentative).
When are the HKDSE 2027 results released?
The HKEAA lists 14 July 2027 as the tentative release date for Categories A, B and C. Check the Important Dates page nearer the time.
Is it 332A or 3322 for JUPAS?
It is 332A. HUCOM set level 3 in Chinese, level 3 in English, level 2 in Maths Compulsory Part and "Attained" in CSD from the 2024/25 intake. Each programme may ask for more, including electives.
Does Maths M1 or M2 count as a subject?
At HKDSE registration, the Compulsory Part and one Extended Part module count as one subject. Universities decide how M1 or M2 counts for admission. For example, PolyU treats the Extended Modules as an elective.
Can I still register for HKDSE 2027?
The main registration period closed on 7 October 2026. Late entry and subject changes are open from 16 November to 4 December 2026 (tentative), with a HK$498 supplementary fee plus subject fees. After that, requests are only considered case by case.
How much does HKDSE 2027 cost?
With a Permanent HKID, each language subject costs HK$808 and each other subject HK$540. Without one, it is HK$2,058 and HK$1,790. Private candidates also pay a HK$619 initial fee.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- HKEAA: HKDSE Introduction
- HKEAA: HKDSE Important Dates
- HKEAA: 2027 HKDSE Examination Timetable (Revised)
- HKEAA: HKDSE 2027 List of Examination Fees and Supplementary Fees
- HKEAA: 2027 HKDSE Instructions to Applicants (Private Candidates)
- HKEAA: The Reporting System
- HKEAA: Category A Senior Secondary Subjects
- HKEAA: School-based Assessment Introduction
- HKEAA: 2027 HKDSE Mathematics Assessment Framework
- HKEAA: Local Universities and Higher Education Institutions (332A)
- HKEAA: Recognition of HKDSE
- JUPAS
- PolyU: JUPAS General Entrance Requirements