DSE results release date and release-day checklist: collecting results, checking online, SMS, results appeals and further study planning
A total of over 58,000 candidates sat the 2026 DSE. School candidates must return to their schools to collect their results notices according to their schools' arrangements; private candidates' results notices are sent by ordinary post and are expected to arrive on 15 July. From 9am on 15 July, the HKEAA will send an SMS containing DSE results to candidates who have provided a local mobile phone number; candidates can also log in to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination online service from 7am that day to check their results. If they have doubts about their results in Category A or Category B subjects, they may apply for a recheck of marks and/or a re-marking of scripts from 15 to 20 July; each candidate may apply for appeals in a maximum of four subjects, and must pay the fee within two calendar days of the specified date. Examination results and appeal results will be released by SMS. For questions about results, call 3628 8860 to contact the HKEAA Public Examinations Information Centre. The Education Bureau has updated the "S6 Students Information Page", consolidating information on multiple pathways and linking to the electronic tool "e-Navigator", where students can enter their predicted or actual HKDSE results to search for local institution programmes, including bachelor's degrees, sub-degrees and Applied Education Diploma programmes. The 2027 DSE results release date is tentatively set for 14 July 2027. The HKDSE mobile app can be used to check important dates and matters. After results release, note: appeals are time-limited, payment is time-limited, and the order of action must be clear.
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- Over 58,000 candidates sat the 2026 DSE.
- School candidates return to their schools to collect their results notices according to their schools' arrangements; private candidates' results notices are sent by ordinary post and are expected to be received on 15 July.
- From 9am on 15 July, the HKEAA will send an SMS containing DSE results to candidates who have provided a local mobile phone number, and candidates can also log in to the online service from 7am that day to check their results.
- If at 6am on results release day a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or an "extreme conditions" announcement is in force, the release of results and related services will be delayed.
- The appeal application period is from 15 to 20 July, and each candidate may apply for an appeal in a maximum of four subjects; examination results and appeal results will be released by SMS.
- Appeal fees must be paid within two calendar days of the specified date; for questions, call 3628 8860. The 2027 DSE results release date is tentatively set for 14 July 2027.
Basic arrangements on results release day: school candidates and private candidates
A total of over 58,000 candidates sat the 2026 DSE. On results release day, school candidates should return to their schools to collect their results notices according to their schools' arrangements. Private candidates' results notices are sent by ordinary post and are expected to be received on 15 July.
In other words, school candidates and private candidates collect their results in different ways: the former collect them at school, while the latter wait for the post. Candidates should confirm the collection time and place with their schools in advance, and private candidates should keep an eye on postal delivery.
Whichever method is used, candidates should treat the results notice issued by the HKEAA as the official record, keep it safe, and may need to present it later when handling further study procedures. The results notice contains results for each subject and is the basis for candidates to check their own marks; after collecting it, candidates should first check their personal details and the subjects taken, and scan or photocopy a copy for future use in applications or interviews.
If there are questions about results, call 3628 8860 to contact the HKEAA Public Examinations Information Centre. Before results release, candidates may also check the HKEAA's mobile app, which provides practical information such as the latest HKDSE news, the candidate handbook, important dates and matters, the examination timetable and a list of examination centres.
SMS results and checking results online
The HKEAA will also send an SMS containing DSE results from 9am on 15 July to candidates who have provided a local mobile phone number. Candidates who have provided a local mobile phone number should watch for the text message.
Note that SMS is only one channel for results notification; school candidates must still return to their schools to collect their results notices as arranged, and private candidates must still rely on the results notices received by ordinary post.
In addition to SMS and results notices, candidates can also log in to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination online service from 7am on results release day to check their results. The online service, SMS and results notices operate in parallel, and candidates should confirm in advance that their login details are valid.
Number of results notices and key checks
Candidates who have taken Category A and/or Category B and Category C subjects will receive two results notices. When collecting or receiving results notices, candidates should first count whether the number of notices matches the categories of subjects taken.
When counting, they can also check that the personal details and subjects taken on the notices are correct; if there are questions, they should contact the HKEAA as soon as possible. Results notices are official documents, and candidates should keep them safe to avoid creasing or loss.
The 2026 HKDSE results notices include notes on Category A and Category B subjects, and also notes on Category C subjects. If candidates have questions about the subject codes or grade descriptions on their results notices, they can first consult these notes before deciding whether to enquire with the HKEAA.
Doubts about results: dates and limits for appeal applications
Candidates who have doubts about their results in Category A/Category B subjects may consider applying for a recheck of marks and/or a re-marking of scripts from 15 July (Wednesday) to 20 July (Monday). Each candidate may apply for an appeal in a maximum of four subjects.
In other words, the appeal application window lasts only a few days, from results release day to 20 July. Candidates who decide to apply for an appeal should compile their list of subjects as early as possible and submit the application within the deadline.
Appeal applications are voluntary: candidates may decide, based on their results and further study plans, whether to apply and which subjects to apply for. Since each candidate may apply for appeals in a maximum of four subjects, candidates should first consider which subjects' results are most worth appealing, and use the quota on those subjects. Results in elective subjects also affect further study planning, so when deciding which subjects to appeal, candidates may also consider the weighting of compulsory and elective subjects. Appeal results will be released by SMS, and candidates should keep a record after submitting their applications and watch for the text message.
An animated short film produced by the HKEAA uses "SRR Master" to guide candidates, parents and other stakeholders through the grading process from Level 1 to 5**, explaining the HKDSE standards-referenced reporting system; candidates may first understand the grading mechanism before deciding whether to appeal.
Appeal payments and contact methods
Candidates must pay the fee within two calendar days of the specified date. The service counter address is 12/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. If candidates have questions about results, they can call 3628 8860 to contact the HKEAA Public Examinations Information Centre.
If the payment deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it will be automatically extended to the following Monday. Candidates should check in advance which day the payment deadline falls on, so as not to be delayed by the weekend.
The order to note on results release day is: first collect results (school candidates return to school to collect them, private candidates wait for the post, SMS is sent from 9am, and the online service can be accessed), then decide whether to apply for an appeal, then submit the application between 15 and 20 July, and pay the fee within two calendar days of the specified date. Candidates can also call 3628 8860 or email the HKEAA for enquiries.
Appeal results will also be released by SMS. After submitting an appeal application, candidates should keep the application record issued by the HKEAA and watch for text messages and HKEAA announcements, so that they can adjust their further study plans as needed after appeal results are released.
Arrangements under severe weather: No. 8 signal and black rainstorm
Results release arrangements are affected by weather. If at 6am on results release day a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or an "extreme conditions" announcement is in force, the release of results will be delayed, and the online results checking and SMS results services will also be delayed.
If the signal is cancelled at or before 1pm, schools may send staff to the HKEAA Wan Chai office or the Tsuen Wan Assessment Centre to collect candidates' results notices two hours after the signal is cancelled; private candidates and evening school candidates may check their examination results online two hours after the signal is cancelled; and the HKEAA will send an SMS containing DSE results to candidates who have provided an SMS mobile phone number three hours after the signal is cancelled.
If the signal is cancelled only after 1pm, the release of results, online results checking and SMS results services will be delayed by one day to 16 July (Thursday).
Therefore, from the night before results release to the early morning of the day, candidates and parents should watch for weather news. In the event of a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or an "extreme conditions" announcement, they should first confirm the HKEAA's latest announcement before deciding whether to return to school or make other trips. A delay in releasing results does not mean the arrangements are cancelled; candidates should wait until the signal is lowered and the HKEAA has made an announcement, then act according to instructions.
Education Bureau's "S6 Students Information Page": multiple pathway information before results release
The Education Bureau has updated the content of the "S6 Students Information Page" website (www.edb.gov.hk/s6), consolidating the latest information on multiple pathways, support measures and counselling services from the Education Bureau, the HKEAA, the Joint University Programmes Admissions System and other non-governmental organisations.
The page contains the "2026 HKDSE and Results Release Tips" infographic, which uses clear images and concise text to show important schedules and points to note. The page also links to the electronic tool "e-Navigator", where students can enter their predicted or actual HKDSE results to search for corresponding local institution programmes, including bachelor's degrees, sub-degrees and Applied Education Diploma programmes, so as to formulate suitable further study plans.
In other words, "e-Navigator" allows students to search for programmes by results, covering post-secondary institution programmes at different levels, making it easier to compare programme choices and entrance requirements before deciding on a further study direction. For candidates interested in applying for higher diploma or sub-degree programmes, this tool can help them quickly compile a list of programmes matching their results after results release, so as to prioritise their applications.
In addition, the Education Bureau has produced a series of "HKDSE cheer-up short videos", which have been uploaded to the "Cheer-up Zone" on the page. For HKDSE results release arrangements, please watch for the latest announcements on the HKEAA website.
Maths revision before results release: no need to wait for results day
Results release day is just one point in the whole DSE process. For students about to sit the DSE, preparation in maths should already have been completed step by step before results release. When revising, it is better to consolidate topic by topic rather than only doing past papers.
Maths topics from Primary 1 to Secondary 6 can be reviewed by year level for key points and examples, which is suitable for checking whether foundational topics are solid. If a topic is found to be weak, return to the key points page for that year level first, then look at the examples, and only then do practice.
- S6 maths topics: key points and examples
- S5 maths topics: key points and examples
- Maths topics: Primary 1 to Secondary 6
Parents' role on results release day: helping to check deadlines
Results release day brings a lot of information and short deadlines. Parents can help candidates check two things: first, the deadline for appeal applications (15 to 20 July), and second, the payment deadline (within two calendar days of the specified date, extended to the following Monday if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday).
At the same time, parents should remind candidates to rely on information announced by the HKEAA, and to call 3628 8860 to contact the HKEAA Public Examinations Information Centre when needed, rather than relying on unverified news. Parents can also accompany candidates to browse the Education Bureau's "S6 Students Information Page" to learn about multiple pathway information and further study counselling services, or use "e-Navigator" to search for local institution programmes by results.
If candidates need to go to the HKEAA service counter, the address is 12/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, and parents can help plan the route and timing in advance.
Important dates for the 2027 DSE: results release tentatively set for 14 July
The results release date for the 2027 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination is tentatively set for 14 July 2027 (Category A, Category B and Category C subjects). This is a useful reference for students currently in Secondary 5: results release day is around mid-July.
The same important dates information also lists other points: the deadline for paying examination fees is on or before 11:59pm on 14 October 2026; the deadline for late payment of examination fees is from 15 October to on or before 11:59pm on 20 October 2026, and candidates who pay late must pay a surcharge of $321 (per candidate) for the application to be accepted.
In addition, the dates for applying for late entry or changing subject information are tentatively set from 16 November to 4 December 2026; the deadline for paying surcharges and examination fees (if applicable) is on or before 11:59pm on 8 December 2026; and the deadline for withdrawing from the examination is 30 November 2026. The candidate handbook will be uploaded to the HKEAA website in mid-December 2026.
Regarding examination-related dates: admission forms for practical examinations (Physical Education and Music) are tentatively to be issued in late January 2027; admission forms for Category A subject examinations are tentatively to be issued in mid-February 2027; the examination dates for practical examinations (Physical Education and Music) are tentatively set from mid-February to late March 2027; the English Language oral examination is tentatively scheduled from 9 to 18 March 2027, and the English Language oral examination for candidates with special needs is tentatively scheduled for 20 March 2027; the Category A subject written examinations are tentatively scheduled from 6 April to 3 May 2027.
The above dates are subject to HKEAA announcements, and some are tentative; candidates should check the latest arrangements from time to time. The HKEAA has also issued a circular to schools about the 2027 examination timetable and results release date.
Frequently asked questions
On the 2026 DSE results release day, how do school candidates and private candidates obtain their results?
School candidates should return to their schools to collect their results notices according to their schools' arrangements. Private candidates' results notices are sent by ordinary post and are expected to be received on 15 July. The HKEAA will also send an SMS containing DSE results from 9am on 15 July to candidates who have provided a local mobile phone number; candidates can also log in to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination online service from 7am that day to check their results.
If there are doubts about DSE results, what are the deadline and limit for appeal applications?
Candidates who have doubts about their results in Category A/Category B subjects may apply for a recheck of marks and/or a re-marking of scripts from 15 July (Wednesday) to 20 July (Monday). Each candidate may apply for an appeal in a maximum of four subjects, and must pay the fee within two calendar days of the specified date; if the payment deadline falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it will be automatically extended to the following Monday.
How can candidates contact the HKEAA with questions on results release day?
If candidates have questions about results, they can call 3628 8860 to contact the HKEAA Public Examinations Information Centre, or email the HKEAA. The service counter address is 12/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. On results release day, the Public Examinations Information Centre and the service counter at the HKEAA Wan Chai office will open early, from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
How many results notices will be received if subjects from different categories were taken?
Candidates who have taken Category A and/or Category B and Category C subjects will receive two results notices. Candidates should count whether the number of notices matches the categories of subjects taken and check their personal details. The 2026 HKDSE results notices include notes on Category A and Category B subjects, and also notes on Category C subjects; candidates may first consult the notes before deciding whether to make an enquiry.
On results release day, if there is a No. 8 signal or black rainstorm warning, how will results be released?
If at 6am on results release day a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or an "extreme conditions" announcement is in force, the release of results will be delayed, and the online results checking and SMS results services will also be delayed. If the signal is cancelled at or before 1pm, schools may send staff to the HKEAA Wan Chai office or the Tsuen Wan Assessment Centre to collect candidates' results notices two hours after the signal is cancelled; private candidates and evening school candidates may check their examination results online two hours after the signal is cancelled; and the HKEAA will send an SMS containing DSE results to candidates who have provided an SMS mobile phone number three hours after the signal is cancelled. If the signal is cancelled only after 1pm, the release of results, online results checking and SMS results services will be delayed by one day to 16 July. Candidates and parents should rely on the HKEAA's latest announcements.
What are the Education Bureau's "S6 Students Information Page" and "e-Navigator" for? And what is the 2027 DSE results release date?
The Education Bureau has updated the "S6 Students Information Page" website (www.edb.gov.hk/s6), consolidating multiple pathway information, support measures and counselling services from the Education Bureau, the HKEAA, the Joint University Programmes Admissions System and other non-governmental organisations. The page links to the electronic tool "e-Navigator", where students can enter their predicted or actual HKDSE results to search for corresponding local institution programmes, including bachelor's degrees, sub-degrees and Applied Education Diploma programmes, so as to formulate suitable further study plans. As for the results release date of the 2027 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, it is tentatively set for 14 July 2027 (Category A, Category B and Category C subjects), subject to the HKEAA's final announcement.