Millions sit China s high stakes university entrance exam

BEIJING – Hopeful parents accompanied their teenage children to the gates of a busy Beijing test centre on June 7, among millions of high school students across China sitting their first day of the highly competitive university entrance exam.

Nationwide, 13.35 million students have registered for the multi-subject gaokao series in 2025, according to the Ministry of Education, down from 2024’s record-high 13.42 million test-takers.

Outside the central Beijing secondary school, a proud parent who gave her name as Chen said “12 years of hard work have finally led to this moment” – as she waved a fan in front of her daughter while the student reviewed her notes one last time before the test.

“We know our kids have endured so much hardship,” Ms Chen told AFP, adding that she was not nervous.

“I’m actually quite excited. I think my child is excellent, and I’m sure she will get the best score.”

China’s gaokao requires students to use all their knowledge acquired up to this point, testing them on subjects like Chinese, English, mathematics, science and humanities.

The exam results are critical for gaining admission to university – and determining whether they will attend a prestigious or more modest institution.

While teachers and staff offered students their support, holding up signs of encouragement, some test-takers, dressed in school uniforms, appeared panicked, including a girl with tears in her eyes.

“There’s no need for us parents to add pressure. The children are already under a lot of it,” said a woman surnamed Wang, whose son had just entered the exam hall.

Like many mothers, she wore a traditional Chinese qipao in hopes of bringing good luck.

“I hope my son achieves immediate success and gets his name on the (list of high-scoring candidates),” Ms Wang said with a smile.

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