More than 12.9 million Chinese students have started taking the "Gaokao" exam to compete for admission to the country's leading universities amid support from parents and guardians.
Foreign news agencies report that the "Gaokao" exam, China's most competitive national university entrance test, began on Sunday, 7 Jun 2026 GMT+7. Millions of students took the exam, while groups of parents wearing red clothing, a lucky color, gathered in large numbers at testing sites to offer encouragement.
China's Ministry of Education revealed that about 12.9 million students nationwide have registered for this year's Gaokao. For most students, the exam score is the sole key factor determining whether they can enter Chinese universities.
The multi-day selection exam started on Sunday to assess candidates' knowledge in subjects such as Chinese, Mathematics, English, Science, and Humanities. The overall results will be announced later this month.
Chinese education authorities maintain their highest level of vigilance every year and have been strictly cracking down on cheating. This year, clear warnings prohibit students from bringing smart glasses or smartwatches into exam rooms, all closely monitored by CCTV cameras.
China's higher education system has expanded rapidly over recent decades, alongside economic growth that has improved living standards and raised parents' expectations for their children's careers.
However, the labor market facing new graduates today is no longer as promising as before, with youth unemployment becoming a particularly serious concern.
Official data indicate that about one in six Chinese people aged 16 to 24 (excluding those still studying) are currently unemployed.
Because of this, attitudes toward the Gaokao exam have begun to change, with students and parents becoming less willing to sacrifice physical and mental health just to achieve high exam scores.
“I raise my child with quite a lot of freedom,” said Deng Zhu, a mother standing across from the exam room, holding a study guide for her daughter, who was reviewing materials with friends in the final moments.
“Just doing the usual is enough,” added Deng, 53. “I prioritize physical health more; this exam is just a formality.”
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Source:cna