Record number of candidates to take college entrance exam in China

By Esra Tekin

ANKARA (AA) - Data from China's education authorities shows that the country is set to witness a record number of candidates taking the college-level entrance test, known as gaokao, this month.

According to local media reports on Thursday, approximately 12.91 million candidates have applied for this year's gaokao, marking a significant increase of 980,000 applicants compared to 2022. The figures were cited from a statement issued by the State Council Information Office.

In the previous year, around 12 million Chinese students took the exam, the reports added.

The nationwide examination is scheduled to take place in the first half of June.

The National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) is conducted annually in mainland China as a standardized test for college and university admissions.

China initiated this examination in 1952, with the first test held between Aug. 15 and 17.