The Gaokao, formally the National College Entrance Examination, is the standardized university entrance examination taken by high school students across mainland China, reintroduced in 1977 after being suspended during the Cultural Revolution. Held annually over several days, it is considered one of the most competitive and consequential examinations in the world, with a student's score being the primary factor determining admission to Chinese universities and often carrying enormous social and family pressure.
Facts
Classification
Policy TypeAssessment or Standards Policy 1 Education LevelUpper Secondary Education (ISCED 3) 1 Key ProvisionRequired for undergraduate admissions to all higher education institutions in China 1 Enacted / Adopted Year Policy Status
Policy Status (category) FAQs
Is the Gaokao a single national exam?
It is coordinated nationally but administered by each province, which sets its own variations.
Not entirely. Despite its name, the Gaokao is conducted at the provincial level, with variations determined by provincial governments, under the central coordination of China's Ministry of Education. Students in different provinces can therefore sit different versions of the exam.
When is the Gaokao held each year?
It starts on 7 June each year and finishes between 8 and 10 June depending on the province.
The Gaokao is held once a year and starts on 7 June. It ends on different dates in different provinces, with the latest closing on 10 June. The first Gaokao was held much earlier, on 15 to 17 August 1952.
Sources
1. Gaokao (Wikipedia)
Infobox, year_started
1952, 1977 (resumed)
Introductory section
The Gaokao is required for undergraduate admissions to all higher education institutions in the country.
Lead paragraph, policy-kind
The Gaokao (Chinese: 高考; pinyin: Gāokǎo), also known as the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) and the Nationwide Unified Examination for Admissions to General Universities and Colleges, is the annual nationally-coordinated provincially-administered undergraduate admission exam in China, starting on 7 June and ending on different dates across provinces, with the latest closing on 10 June.
Lead section
The Gaokao (Chinese: 高考; pinyin: Gāokǎo), also known as the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) and the Nationwide Unified Examination for Admissions to General Universities and Colleges, is the annual nationally-coordinated provincially-administered undergraduate admission exam in China, starting on 7 June and ending on different dates across provinces, with the latest closing on 10 June.
Description, education-level classification
The Gaokao, formally the National College Entrance Examination, is the standardized university entrance examination taken by high school students across mainland China, reintroduced in 1977 after being suspended during the Cultural Revolution.
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