Students take on the ultimate exam - 15th June 2026

Thousands of students have queued outside exam halls in Beijing ready to sit the 'Gaokao', China's infamous university entrance exam. They're among the 13.4 million high-school students around the country whose futures depend on these results.

The Gaokao determines which university each student will be accepted into. This leads to stiff competition for places on courses and generates significant pressure on students to do their very best.

Many set their sights on one of the country's Project 211 universities. These 115 elite research universities represent the best of China's 2,820 higher education institutions.

It had become typical for some students to suffer burnout from intense Gaokao revision schedules. Although still dedicated to their futures, students and parents seem to be taking a wider perspective, like Deng Ju, waiting for her daughter to step inside.

Deng Ju: "She has her own plans. I am more hands-off, as long as she can perform normally. I care more about physical health."

While queuing patiently to enter the exam hall, Zhang Xinnan shares some insights into a winning mindset for the Gaokao.

Zhang Xinnan: "But if we can calm down, we should be able to get to a stable mentality. Mentality is the most important when it comes to the Gaokao."

Taking place over two to four days, the modern Gaokao comprises Chinese, maths and a modern language as compulsory subjects. Alongside these, students take three electives, from biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history or political science. Most favour subjects related to their intended undergraduate degree.

The education ministry's recently introduced several new, cutting-edge majors to support China's future development. This will mean undergraduates taking robotics, AI, digital economics and green energy and technology for the first time.

High-school teacher Wang considers the Gaokao a great foundation for any future path.

Teacher Wang: "Everyone wants to contribute to society in their own way, even if methods vary from person to person. The Gaokao is a final stage for high school, but it's the starting point for the things that come later in life."