Starting June 7, a record 13.35 million students on the Chinese mainland will sit for the annual national college entrance exam, better known as the gaokao. The figure marks a slight drop of around 70,000 from last year's record 13.42 million participants, underlining the exam's enduring scale and significance.
Organizing the world's largest standardized test is no small feat. The Chinese mainland's Ministry of Education is guiding local authorities to ensure smooth logistics, from transportation and accommodation to hygiene and noise control, so every candidate can focus on the exam itself.
Fairness and integrity are top priorities. Nationwide operations are underway to crack down on exam-related criminal activities both online and offline. At exam sites, strict security checks will screen out prohibited items such as mobile phones, smart watches, fitness bands, and smart glasses.
The ministry has also rolled out well-rounded services for all examinees. Special measures include preparing Braille test papers for 16 blind candidates and arranging reasonable accommodations for more than 14,000 examinees with disabilities. Additionally, targeted psychological guidance is available to help manage stress and boost confidence.
For millions of young mainlanders, the gaokao is more than an exam; it's a pivotal moment that can shape their university choices and future careers. As they gear up for these high-stakes days, the world watches one of education's most intense and transformative marathons unfold.
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13.35 million Chinese students to take annual college entrance exam
cgtn.com
