Every year in early June, something very important happens in this country. Cities become quiet, emergency services get ready, construction stops, and everyone focuses on one thing — an exam that every student aspiring to pursue higher education takes in this country. It is also labelled the toughest exam in the world...
Gaokao, or the National College Entrance Examination, is not just any test. It is one of the hardest and most competitive exams in the world. In 2025, more than 13.35 million students registered to take this exam. That is 10 times of JEE Main test takers and 5 times of NEET test takers. GAOKAO affects not only the students, but also their families, schools, communities, and even universities in other countries.
Gaokao started in 1952 and is now the main way students in China get into college. In many other countries, universities look at many things like school grades, sports, hobbies, or interviews. But in China, the Gaokao score is often the only thing that decides which university a student can go to.
If a student gets a high score, they can get into top universities like Tsinghua University or Peking University, which are some of the best schools in China. But getting into these schools is very hard — less than 1 out of 1,000 students are accepted.
For many students, doing well on the Gaokao means they can have a good job and a better life. Not doing well can make things much harder. That’s why this exam is very stressful, and students prepare for many years to do their best.
The Gaokao doesn’t just affect students — it also puts pressure on families, schools, and even whole communities who support the students during this time.
The Gaokao has seen a dramatic increase in participation over the decades, reflecting both China's growing population and the heightened emphasis on higher education. From just 5.7 million candidates in 1977, the number of test takers has more than doubled, reaching a historic high of 13.35 million in 2025.
This surge not only underscores the exam’s importance but also illustrates the intense competition students face each year. Key milestones in participation include:
Year | Participation (in Millions) |
1977 | 5.7M |
2006 | 9.5M |
2017 | 9.4M |
2018 | 9.75M |
2023 | 13M |
2025 | 13.35M |
As the number of aspirants continues to grow, so does the national infrastructure supporting the Gaokao — from stricter security to broader international recognition — making it not just China’s premier academic challenge, but a global benchmark in educational endurance.
There are strict community guidelines that are followed voluntarily during these exams. Every one comes together to ensure that students have an easy time, and reduce disturbance and noise pollution. During the exams, they have:
Construction Bans: Noisy activities like roadwork or building repairs are halted near exam centers.
Traffic Restrictions: No-horn zones and traffic diversions keep noise levels down.
Community Solidarity: Local residents delay celebrations and maintain quiet to support students.
Oxygen Stations: Especially in high-altitude areas, schools provide oxygen to help with fatigue.
Rest Zones: Quiet rooms with refreshments help students reset between study or exam sessions.
Air Quality Measures: In polluted cities, factories are temporarily shut to ensure cleaner air.
Cooling Facilities: Air conditioners are installed or upgraded in test centers during summer heat.
Special Transport: Dedicated buses and police escorts assist students who risk missing the exam.
Medical Support: Ambulances are placed near centers to address stress-related emergencies.
Mental Health Support: Counselors are deployed to help students manage anxiety and panic.
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The Gaokao is not just a student’s test — it’s a family affair. Parents and students work for the success of the exam.
Hotels Near Exam Centers: Many families book rooms near centers to avoid delays or commutes.
Volunteers Help Families: Locals often offer water, snacks, and umbrellas to parents waiting outside.
Pre-Exam Rallies: Schools energize students with pep rallies, motivational music, and even meditation or yoga sessions to ease nerves.
Given the stakes, security is taken seriously.
Advanced Monitoring: Facial recognition, metal detectors, drones, and signal jammers are used in exam halls.
Paper Escort by SWAT Teams: Exam papers are transported under armed guard to avoid leaks.
Zero Tolerance for Cheating: Caught cheating? You could face up to 7 years in prison under Chinese law.
Students choose between two tracks: Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or Arts (Geography, History, Politics), along with compulsory tests in Chinese, Mathematics, and a foreign language. The exam spans 2 to 4 days, totaling around 9 hours of testing.
Most students begin preparing 2–5 years in advance, often sacrificing personal time, hobbies, and even sleep. This extended preparation has fueled a multi-billion dollar industry of tutoring centers, mock tests, and educational resources. However, the Chinese Government restrict corporates from opening coaching centers and making it a business.
Here’s how Gaokao stands alongside India’s Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the SAT used for U.S. college admissions:
Metric | Gaokao (China) | JEE (India) | SAT (Global) |
Test Takers | 13.35 million (2025) | 1.3 million | 2.3+ million |
Duration | 2–4 days, ~9 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
Subjects | Chinese, Math, Foreign Lang. + Science/Arts | Physics, Chemistry, Math | Reading, Writing, Math (optional Essay) |
Frequency | Once a year (June) | Twice a year (Jan, Apr) | Multiple times annually |
Acceptance Rates | ~0.1% at top universities | ~1% at IITs | 5–50% depending on the school |
Preparation Time | 2–5 years | 2–4 years | A few months to a year |
Core Focus | Conceptual depth, memory + problem-solving | Application-heavy | Critical thinking, reasoning |
The Gaokao is more than just a test — it is a symbol of national discipline, academic ambition, and societal unity. It highlights not only the rigorous demands of China’s education system but also the incredible determination of students and the widespread community effort that supports them.
While there are ongoing discussions about the pressure and mental toll it brings, one cannot ignore the scale, structure, and seriousness of this extraordinary event. From months of preparation to national-level coordination, Gaokao reflects China’s deep-rooted belief in merit, opportunity, and hard work.
Whether seen as a gateway to success or a demanding trial, the Gaokao continues to be a defining moment in the lives of millions — a rite of passage into adulthood, higher education, and future possibilities.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. Careers360 help students in their exam preparation. students can find all the required study materials and exam materials, exam materials, results and cutoffs on the website.
Thank you.
Hello,
Despite of the prior backlogs, you can appear for JEE Mains in 2026 because you passed class 12; that marks the basic eligibility.
Anyways, this would be regarded as the third JEE Mains attempt, because there's a limit that a candidate can attempt only a limited number of times;
You can get free mock tests for JEE 2026 on the Careers360 website. The mock tests are based on the latest exam pattern and help in understanding the level of questions and time management. You just need to register and start attempting the tests online.
Direct link for JEE mock
Hello,
If you passed 12th in 2025 and did not appear in JEE till now, then this is your eligibility:
JEE Main can be given for 3 consecutive years after 12th.
Each year has 2 sessions .
You are eligible in 2025, 2026 and 2027 .
Since you
Hello,
For JEE (for IT / engineering) :
10th percentage
There is no fixed minimum percentage needed in Class 10 to prepare for JEE.
You just need to pass Class 10 .
Important part is Class 12
You must study Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 11 and 12 .
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