HKDSE CSD
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) - Citizenship and Social Development
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ExploreAbout this exam
Citizenship and Social Development (公民與社會發展科) is one of the four core subjects of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), examined by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). It sits alongside Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics in the core subject listing, and the HKEAA publishes an assessment framework for it for each of the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 examination years. The subject is taken by senior secondary candidates in Hong Kong schools preparing for the HKDSE, and its results form part of the HKDSE certification used for local university admission, further study and civil service entry. Because the HKEAA maintains the assessment framework, curriculum and assessment guide, sample papers and samples of candidates' performance for the subject, the reliable way to prepare is to work from those official documents rather than from memory or rumour: read the current framework, check whether any revision applies to your examination year, then practise with the published sample papers and level descriptors. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the HKEAA; always confirm details against the HKEAA's own pages before relying on them.
What you'll study
About HKDSE CSD preparation
Is Citizenship and Social Development a core subject in the HKDSE?
Yes. The HKEAA's assessment framework page lists Citizenship and Social Development under Core Subjects, together with Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics. Frameworks are published for the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 examination years, so you can check the version that applies to your sitting.
Where do I find the official assessment framework for my examination year?
The HKEAA's Assessment Frameworks page under Assessment Information lists core and elective subjects by examination year. Confirm the year you will sit, then open the framework for Citizenship and Social Development. The Category A subject pages also link to the assessment framework, curriculum and assessment guide, samples of candidates' performance and level descriptors.
Have the assessment frameworks changed recently?
Yes. The HKEAA states that the frameworks of four subjects were revised for the 2026 HKDSE, three for 2027, four for 2028 and four for 2029. The source does not say which subjects those counts cover, so check the Notes on Changes to the Assessment Frameworks and confirm whether Citizenship and Social Development is affected in your year.
How is the HKDSE graded?
The HKEAA uses Standards-referenced Reporting (SRR). Its animation featuring the 'Master SRR' explains the grading process to candidates, parents and other stakeholders. Standards-referenced means your level reflects what you demonstrate against defined standards rather than a fixed proportion of candidates, so understand the level descriptors for your subject.
How long is the exam and how many papers are there?
The retrieved HKEAA pages do not state the duration, paper structure or marks for Citizenship and Social Development. Those details sit in the subject's assessment framework and curriculum and assessment guide. Treat any figure you see elsewhere as unverified until you have checked it in the current official framework for your examination year.
What is the pass mark, and can I retake the subject?
The retrieved pages do not state a pass mark, retake rules or fees for this subject. HKEAA pages do cover exam registration, exam fees, rechecking and remarking of results, appeal review and release of results, so consult those sections and the Handbook for Candidates for the rules that apply to you.
What should I study first?
Start with the current assessment framework and the curriculum and assessment guide, because they define what is assessed and how. Then review the samples of candidates' performance and level descriptors to see what stronger and weaker answers look like, and finish with the sample papers under timed conditions before checking your work against the descriptors.
What mistakes cost candidates most?
Two stand out. First, preparing from outdated assumptions instead of the framework for your own examination year, which matters given the revisions announced for 2026 to 2029. Second, reading the level descriptors once and never applying them, which leaves you unable to judge whether your own answers actually meet the standard being rewarded.
Is this page official?
No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the HKEAA. All authoritative information, including frameworks, sample papers, regulations and result services, comes from the HKEAA's own HKDSE pages, which you should check directly before making decisions about your examination.