2026 Gaokao Begins: 12.9 Million Chinese Students Take Exam

More than 12.9 million students across China are sitting for the 2026 Gaokao, the country’s notoriously demanding national college entrance examination, which officially begins on June 7. The exam, widely regarded as one of the most consequential academic assessments in the world, will determine university placements for millions of candidates over two to three days of testing.

A National Mobilization

The Ministry of Education confirmed on June 3 that 12.9 million students had registered for this year’s exam, a slight decrease from the record 13.42 million who participated in 2025. While still extraordinarily high by global standards, the dip reflects broader demographic trends in China, where declining birth rates are beginning to reshape the country’s educational landscape.

In an inspirational piece published on the eve of the exam, Xinhua News urged candidates to “use the pen as a sword, giving full effort for youth and dreams,” capturing the national sentiment surrounding the high-stakes event.

Enhanced Security and Anti-Cheating Measures

Authorities have deployed an unprecedented array of security measures to ensure the integrity of the 2026 exam. The Ministry of Education, in coordination with public security, transportation, and health agencies, has launched the “2026 Gaokao Escort Action” — a nationwide campaign to safeguard the examination process.

According to CCTV News, upgraded “smart security gates” have been installed at exam sites across the country, capable of detecting mobile phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and other prohibited devices. The Ministry has warned that bringing any device with transmitting or receiving capabilities into an exam hall — regardless of whether it is used — will be deemed cheating, carrying severe penalties including invalidation of all exam scores and potential criminal prosecution.

Multiple provinces, including Hubei, Guangdong, and Ningxia, have implemented eyeglass inspections before candidates enter exam halls, while Hainan has introduced full AI-powered patrol monitoring across all its standardized exam sites. Hubei’s exam entry procedure now follows a three-step “identity verification, smart security check, and manual security check” protocol.

Support for Vulnerable Candidates

For the 13th consecutive year, the Ministry of Education will produce Braille exam papers for blind candidates, a practice dating back to 2014. Additionally, more than 14,000 candidates with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodations, including extended testing time, specialized equipment, and accessible exam venues.

In its official Q&A published on June 5, the Ministry of Education also advised candidates on health precautions, urging them to avoid crowded places, maintain proper nutrition and sleep, and seek medical attention if unwell. Psychological support hotlines have been opened in Beijing, Inner Mongolia, and other regions to help students manage exam-related stress.

Nationwide Exam Protection Campaign

Local governments across China have rolled out extensive measures to support candidates. Beijing has ordered a halt to all construction work within 500 meters of exam sites and deployed traffic police on motorcycles for emergency response. Guangdong has introduced 28护航 measures, including a dedicated 110 emergency hotline for exam-related issues and police escort teams for candidates in distress.

Jiangsu province has established a joint dispatch center through its 12345 government service hotline, with representatives from education, public security, environmental protection, and health departments available to handle exam-related complaints in real time from June 7 to 9.

The Gaokao’s Enduring Significance

The Gaokao, administered annually since 1952 (with a pause during the Cultural Revolution), remains the primary determinant for university admissions in China. Exam scores alone dictate which institutions students can attend, making the test a life-defining moment that shapes career trajectories and social mobility.

While the slight decline in participation from 2025’s record high may signal the beginning of demographic shifts, the Gaokao’s cultural significance shows no signs of diminishing. As Xinhua’s editorial put it: “You are never fighting alone.” The message reflects a national ritual that mobilizes not just students, but entire communities — from parents and teachers to traffic police and public health officials.

What to Watch

As the exam unfolds over the coming days, attention will turn to provincial score releases in late June, university admissions procedures, and the ongoing debate over Gaokao reform. The Ministry of Education has indicated it will continue to optimize its “Sunshine Volunteer” information service system and host a national online consultation week to assist students with university applications.

For now, the focus remains on the 12.9 million candidates themselves, as they undertake what many describe as the most important test of their lives.