Approximately 13 million high school students are taking the National Higher Education Entrance Examination, known as the gaokao, across mainland China [1].
The exam serves as the primary gateway to higher education in the country. Because performance on the gaokao largely decides whether a student can enter university, it is widely considered one of the most competitive exams in the world [1, 2].
The 2026 administration of the exam takes place over three days, running from Sunday to Tuesday [1]. Students report to designated exam centers throughout the country to complete the testing process [1, 2].
Despite the massive scale of the event, the path to a degree remains narrow. Less than 40% of candidates are accepted into university [1]. This high barrier creates significant pressure for students and families who view the exam as a critical turning point in a student's life.
Recent data suggests a shift in the academic landscape. While the current candidate pool remains large, the number of students sitting for the exam is declining [3]. Some reports indicate the process is becoming less competitive as an increasing number of teenagers opt to skip university altogether [3].
This trend contrasts with the traditional view of the gaokao as an inescapable requirement for professional success. The decline in participation may reflect changing attitudes toward vocational training, or a shifting economic environment where a university degree is no longer seen as the only viable path to employment [3].
“Less than 40% of candidates are accepted into university.”
The tension between the gaokao's enduring status as a high-stakes filter and the declining participation rates suggests a structural shift in Chinese society. If more students are bypassing university, it may indicate a growing misalignment between traditional academic credentials and the current demands of the labor market.
