China witnessed another intense academic milestone on Saturday as 13.35 million students appeared for the Gaokao, the country’s highly competitive national university entrance exam. While staggering in scale, this year’s turnout saw a slight dip compared to the 13.42 million candidates in 2024, as reported by official media.
The Gaokao, short for National Higher Education Entrance Examination, is regarded as a decisive moment in a student’s life. It determines access to university education and, for many, shapes the course of their careers. Often described as a social equaliser, the exam rewards merit and has historically played a pivotal role in China’s educational landscape since its reinstatement in 1977.
Across thousands of exam centres, anxious parents gathered early to cheer their children on—some holding flowers, others armed with snacks for post-exam relief. Meanwhile, authorities across the country ramped up security and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam.
High-tech support played a key role this year. Police deployed drones and advanced surveillance systems, including AI-powered monitoring tools that detect irregularities and prevent cheating. In addition, cities implemented temporary traffic restrictions around examination zones to ensure timely arrival for test-takers, with some local governments even offering free transportation for students facing travel challenges.
Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang visited a school in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, to oversee the proceedings. He reiterated the importance of ensuring fairness, integrity, and safety throughout the examination process.
“Since its reinstatement, Gaokao has changed millions of lives by enabling upward mobility through academic merit,” state-run Xinhua reported. “It continues to inspire belief in hard work and perseverance as pathways to success.”
The broader context, however, remains complex. While more than 47 million students were enrolled in Chinese higher education institutions by 2023—with a gross enrolment rate surpassing 60%—graduates face increasing challenges in a slowing job market. Over 12 million students enter the workforce annually, intensifying competition for employment amid economic uncertainty.
Despite these headwinds, Gaokao remains a national symbol of aspiration and effort—an enduring ritual that galvanises students, families, and institutions alike every June.
