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Key Facts: HKDSE Chemistry Exam
HKDSE Chemistry is administered by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA).
Paper 1 is compulsory, worth 60% of the subject mark, lasting 2 hours 30 minutes.
Paper 1 Section A is multiple-choice (about 36 questions) and carries 18% of the subject mark.
Paper 2 is the elective paper, worth 20%, lasting 1 hour, answering 2 of 3 electives at 20 marks each.
School-based Assessment contributes 20% of the final HKDSE Chemistry subject mark.
The compulsory curriculum covers 12 topics from Planet Earth to Patterns in the Chemical World.
Results are graded on a 7-level scale from 5** down to 1, plus U for unclassified.
The 2026 subject fee is HK$519 for school candidates and HK$1,119 for private candidates with a Permanent HKIC.
HKDSE Chemistry is assessed by Paper 1 (compulsory, 60%, 2.5 hours, MCQ plus structured/essay), Paper 2 (electives, 20%, 1 hour) and SBA (20%), graded on a 7-level scale from 5** to 1 plus U.
Sample HKDSE Chemistry Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the HKDSE Chemistry exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which gas makes up approximately 78% by volume of dry air on Earth?
2Sea water contains dissolved ions. Which ion is present in the highest concentration in sea water?
3Limestone is a mineral mainly composed of which compound?
4An atom of an element has 17 protons, 18 neutrons and 17 electrons. What is the mass number of this atom?
5What is the electronic arrangement of a magnesium atom (atomic number 12)?
6Which type of bonding holds the ions together in solid sodium chloride?
7How many electrons are shared in total between the two oxygen atoms in an oxygen molecule (O2)?
8Which of the following best explains why diamond has an extremely high melting point?
9Graphite can conduct electricity because it has
10Metallic bonding is best described as the attraction between
About the HKDSE Chemistry Exam
HKDSE Chemistry is the senior-secondary chemistry examination taken by Hong Kong students at the end of Secondary 6, administered by the HKEAA. Public assessment comprises Paper 1 (Compulsory, 60%, 2 hours 30 minutes) with a multiple-choice Section A (18%) and a short/structured/essay Section B (42%), Paper 2 (Elective, 20%, 1 hour) of structured questions on 2 of 3 electives, and School-based Assessment (20%). The compulsory curriculum spans 12 topics from Planet Earth and Microscopic World through Metals, Acids and Bases, Fossil Fuels and Carbon Compounds, Redox/Electrochemistry, Energetics, Rate, Equilibrium and Patterns in the Chemical World. The three electives are Industrial Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, with green chemistry as a recurring theme. Results are reported on a 7-level scale from 5** down to 1, plus U, and the subject is used for local and overseas university admission.
Exam sponsor: Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
100 questions
Time Limit
Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes; Paper 2: 1 hour
Passing Score
7-level grading: 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, U. Level 3 is the common benchmark for university and further-study eligibility.
Exam / Certification Fees
2026 subject fee: HK$519 (school candidate), HK$1,119 (private candidate with Permanent HKIC), HK$1,377 (private candidate without Permanent HKIC).
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Planet Earth, Microscopic World and Metals
Atmosphere and sea water, minerals, atomic structure, ionic/covalent/metallic bonding, structures and properties, metal reactivity, extraction, corrosion and alloys.
Acids, Bases and Carbon Compounds
pH, titration, salts, fossil fuels, homologous series, alkanes, alkenes, isomerism, alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters and polymers.
Redox, Electrochemistry and Energetics
Oxidation numbers, redox reactions, chemical cells, electrolysis, enthalpy changes and Hess's law.
Rate, Equilibrium and Patterns
Collision theory, catalysts, dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier's principle, periodic trends and the Haber and Contact processes.
Electives (Industrial, Materials, Analytical Chemistry)
Industrial process design and green chemistry, polymers and composites, nanomaterials, chromatography, spectroscopy and qualitative analysis.
Preparing for the HKDSE Chemistry Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 7-level grading: 5**, 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, U. Level 3 is the common benchmark for university and further-study eligibility.
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes; Paper 2: 1 hour
- Exam / certification fees: 2026 subject fee: HK$519 (school candidate), HK$1,119 (private candidate with Permanent HKIC), HK$1,377 (private candidate without Permanent HKIC). Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
HKDSE Chemistry: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How is HKDSE Chemistry assessed?
Public assessment has three parts: Paper 1 (Compulsory, 60%, 2 hours 30 minutes) with multiple-choice Section A (18%) and short/structured/essay Section B (42%); Paper 2 (Elective, 20%, 1 hour) of structured questions on 2 of 3 electives; and School-based Assessment (20%).
How many compulsory topics are there?
There are 12 compulsory topics, from Planet Earth and Microscopic World through Metals, Acids and Bases, Fossil Fuels and Carbon Compounds, Redox/Electrochemistry, Energetics, Rate of Reaction, Chemical Equilibrium and Patterns in the Chemical World.
What are the elective options?
Candidates study 2 of 3 electives: Industrial Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. Green chemistry is introduced as a cross-cutting theme within the elective part.
How is HKDSE Chemistry graded?
Results are reported on a 7-level scale: 5** (highest), 5*, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1, with U for unclassified. Level 3 is commonly treated as the benchmark for further study and university admission.
How much does it cost to sit HKDSE Chemistry in 2026?
The 2026 subject fee is HK$519 for school candidates, HK$1,119 for private candidates with a Permanent HKIC, and HK$1,377 for private candidates without a Permanent HKIC, with a HK$595 initial fee for private candidates.