DSE
Last updated: March 2026
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education
The DSE is Hong Kong's main public exam, taken by Secondary 6 students. It determines university admission and is the most widely tutored curriculum in HK.
Exam Period
March – May
Core Subjects
4
Elective Subjects
2-3
Grading Scale
1 – 5**
DSE Subjects
Grading System
Grades range from 1 (lowest) to 5** (highest). University admission typically requires 3322 (Chinese, English, Maths, Citizenship) plus good elective scores. Competitive programs may need 5* or 5** in relevant subjects.
DSE Study Tips
Start intensive revision in S5, not S6 — by then it's often too late
Focus on past papers — DSE questions follow predictable patterns
For Maths, drill the compulsory section first for guaranteed marks
English Paper 4 (speaking) is often neglected but easy to improve with practice
Get a tutor who scored 5* or 5** in your target subject
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