12.9 Million Students Set for 2026 Gaokao as China Bolsters Exam Security
China’s Ministry of Education has announced that 12.9 million students have registered for the 2026 National College Entrance Examination, known as the Gaokao, which is scheduled to begin on June 7. The figure, reported by People’s Daily on June 4, represents the second consecutive year of declining registrations after the all-time peak of 13.42 million in 2024.
Registration Numbers in Context
While the headline figure of 12.9 million remains staggering by global standards — dwarfing the total number of high school graduates in most countries — it marks a notable decline from recent years. Registrations peaked at 13.42 million in 2024 before falling to 13.35 million in 2025 and now 12.9 million for 2026. This effectively returns participation to approximately 2023 levels (12.91 million).
The decline is widely attributed to China’s falling birth rate, which has been dropping since 2017. As smaller birth cohorts reach the typical exam-taking age of 18, the pool of potential candidates is shrinking, a trend that is expected to continue and could gradually ease competition for university admissions in the years ahead.
Upgraded Anti-Cheating Measures
Authorities have deployed significantly upgraded security measures for this year’s exam. According to the China News Service, the Ministry of Education has directed all localities to upgrade “smart security gates” (智能安检门) capable of detecting mobile phones, smart glasses, and other prohibited items with improved accuracy.
The ministry is also promoting AI-powered smart inspection systems to monitor examination rooms, reinforcing what it calls a multi-layered defense combining human personnel, physical barriers, and technological surveillance. The China News Service reported that authorities will conduct joint operations with cyberspace and public security departments to crack down on cheating, including specialized campaigns against the sale of cheating devices and impersonation.
Exam Integrity Hotlines
In a parallel effort to safeguard fairness, the Ministry of Education has opened reporting hotlines at both the national and provincial levels. As reported by Xinhua News, the ministry “uniformly announced the 2026 Gaokao reporting hotlines, welcoming candidates, parents, and all sectors of society to promptly report any concerns.” Authorities have pledged to investigate all tips in coordination with relevant departments.
Accessibility and Equity Provisions
The 2026 Gaokao continues a trend toward greater accessibility. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that Braille exam papers will be prepared for blind candidates, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for over 14,000 disabled students. These provisions reflect a broader policy push for educational equity and inclusion.
Additionally, the ministry has expanded the “Sunshine Volunteer” (阳光志愿) information service system, which provides guidance on university application strategies. The program has been extended to underdeveloped counties to help bridge the urban-rural divide in access to college admissions counseling.
Crackdown on Luxury Admission Materials
In a notable move, the Ministry of Education has instructed universities to return to “one-page” admission notices, pushing back against a trend of increasingly elaborate and expensive admission packages. The directive calls for a resolute rectification of luxury admission notices and freshman gift boxes, signaling concern over the commercialization of university admissions.
The Gaokao’s Enduring Significance
Despite the decline in registrations, the Gaokao remains one of the world’s largest and most consequential academic examinations. Originating in 1952 and reinstated in 1977 after the Cultural Revolution, the exam determines university placement and, by extension, career trajectories for millions of Chinese students each year. The exam’s influence extends beyond China’s borders, as Gaokao scores are increasingly accepted by universities in Australia, the United States, and other countries for Chinese international students.
What to Watch
As the June 7 exam date approaches, attention will focus on the effectiveness of the upgraded anti-cheating technology and whether the declining registration trend accelerates in coming years amid China’s demographic challenges. The results, typically released in late June, will also offer insights into how shifting demographics are reshaping higher education access in the world’s most populous nation.