The new Diploma of Secondary Education Examination will better assess students in selecting qualifiers for universities, Examination & Assessment Authority Deputy Secretary General Dr Francis Cheung says.

Speaking on a radio talkshow today, Dr Cheung said the new assessment method, which will replace the HKCEE, is in line with world trends in assessing students.

He said under the new examination, about 10% of students will get the highest grade, while the other 15% will get the second-best grade. It is equivalent to the present number of students who get the markings of A, B and C, he said.

To familiarise students with the new system, the authority will conduct some mock examinations.