HKDSE Maths (Core)
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) - Mathematics (Compulsory Part)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) Mathematics Compulsory Part is one of the four Senior Secondary core subjects in the HKDSE, which is administered by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). HKDSE subjects fall into three categories: Category A Senior Secondary subjects, Category B Applied Learning subjects and Category C Other Languages subjects. Mathematics Compulsory Part sits in Category A, alongside the other core subjects Chinese Language, English Language and Citizenship and Social Development. It is taken by senior secondary candidates in Hong Kong, and it is the mathematics qualification that local universities, higher education institutions and employers generally read alongside a candidate's other HKDSE results. In 2021 the Curriculum Development Council and the HKEAA's Public Examinations Board jointly endorsed proposals to optimise the four Senior Secondary core subjects, including Mathematics Compulsory Part, and these optimising measures apply to the 2024 HKDSE and beyond, having been implemented from Secondary 4 in the 2021/22 school year. Candidates should therefore study against the optimised curriculum rather than older arrangements. The HKEAA publishes assessment information, assessment frameworks, sample papers, practice papers, examination reports and FAQs on its Mathematics subject page; these are the authoritative places to confirm the current paper structure, question counts, time allowed and reporting arrangements, which this page does not state. Effective preparation means working through the assessment framework, practising with the published sample and practice papers under timed conditions, and reviewing examination reports to see where candidates typically lose marks. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with the HKEAA.
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About HKDSE Maths (Core) preparation
Which category does HKDSE Mathematics Compulsory Part belong to?
It is a Category A Senior Secondary subject. The HKEAA lists HKDSE subjects in three categories: Category A Senior Secondary subjects, Category B Applied Learning subjects and Category C Other Languages subjects. Mathematics Compulsory Part is one of the four core subjects within Category A, together with Chinese Language, English Language and Citizenship and Social Development.
What changed under the optimisation of the core subjects?
In 2021 the Curriculum Development Council and the HKEAA's Public Examinations Board jointly endorsed proposals to optimise the four Senior Secondary core subjects, including Mathematics Compulsory Part. The optimising measures applicable to the 2024 HKDSE and beyond were implemented from Secondary 4 in the 2021/22 school year. Check the HKEAA Mathematics page for the current details.
Where can I find the official paper structure and time allowed?
The HKEAA Mathematics subject page under Category A: Senior Secondary Subjects links to assessment information, the assessment framework, sample papers, practice papers, examination reports and FAQs on Mathematics. Those pages are the authoritative source for paper structure, question counts and time allowed. This page does not restate those figures because they are not given in the source material used here.
Is there school-based assessment in Mathematics?
The HKEAA publishes a separate School-based Assessment section covering subject information, moderation of SBA scores, teachers' handbooks and FAQs on SBA. Whether SBA applies to your cohort and subject should be confirmed there, since the source material used for this page does not set out the SBA arrangements for Mathematics Compulsory Part.
How should I plan my revision?
Work from the HKEAA assessment framework first so you know exactly what is examinable, then practise with the published sample and practice papers under timed conditions. Read the examination reports to see common candidate errors, and keep a log of the topics where you lose marks so revision targets weaknesses rather than repeating what you already know.
Why do candidates lose marks even when they know the maths?
The HKEAA examination reports are written precisely to show where candidates drop marks. Typical causes are misreading what a question asks, skipping working that carries method marks, and running out of time because of poor pacing. Practising full papers to a clock and writing out every step are the most direct fixes.
Can I retake the exam, and how long are results valid?
Retake policy and the validity period of results are set by the HKEAA and are not stated in the source material used for this page, so they are not given here. Check the HKEAA HKDSE pages on exam registration and results, or contact the HKEAA directly, for the current rules rather than relying on second-hand information.
Where do I register and pay for the exam?
Registration and fees are handled through the HKEAA's HKDSE examination administration pages, which include exam registration, exam fees and online services. The source material used here does not state fees or registration deadlines, so confirm the current arrangements on the HKEAA website or through your school as a participating school.
Is this page officially connected to the HKEAA?
No. This is an independent study resource and makes no claim of affiliation with the HKEAA. For anything that affects your entry or results, such as registration, fees, special needs arrangements, timetables or appeals, use the HKEAA's own published information, which is the authoritative source.