By Anil Azad Pandey, Beijing
China’s annual national college entrance examination, known as the Gaokao, concluded across the country this week, with millions of students competing for admission to the nation’s leading universities. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most challenging examinations, the Gaokao plays a decisive role in determining students’ higher education opportunities and future career prospects.
According to China’s Ministry of Education, approximately 12.9 million students registered for this year’s examination, compared with 13.3 million registrants in 2025. Students achieving top scores become eligible for admission to prestigious institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua University and Fudan University.
The examination is considered a defining moment in the lives of Chinese students and their families, many of whom spend years preparing for it. Outside examination centres, parents gathered anxiously as candidates completed their papers, hoping their hard work would be rewarded.
Authorities implemented extensive security measures to ensure the integrity of the examination process. Police maintained heightened security around examination centres, while some institutions used facial-recognition technology and other advanced monitoring systems to prevent cheating. Government departments also conducted special campaigns to curb the sale of cheating devices and regulate unauthorized coaching and training institutes.
Although a large percentage of candidates eventually secure admission to colleges and universities, gaining entry into China’s most prestigious institutions remains highly competitive because of limited seats and intense demand. Admission to top universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University is reserved for only the highest-performing candidates.
The Gaokao is conducted annually in June and continues to be one of the most significant academic events in China, shaping the educational and professional futures of millions of young people.
Anil Azad Pandey is a senior journalist based in China.
