13 million people take on the challenge of the ‘world’s toughest’ college entrance exam

A record number of high school students in China are currently facing the daunting challenge of the national college entrance exam, known as “gaokao.” With over 13.4 million students registered for the exam this year, it has become the largest “gaokao” ever held in China, surpassing last year’s record.

The exam, considered the world’s toughest college entrance exam, requires students to pour everything they’ve learned in 12 years into a handful of subject tests that each last less than two hours. Subjects include Chinese literature, math, English, physics, chemistry, politics, and history. A high score on the exam is crucial for gaining admission to the country’s top universities.

The pressure to perform well on the exam is heightened by China’s slowing economic growth and rising youth unemployment rates. Parents and teachers anxiously waited outside exam halls on the first day of the test, dressed in red for victory and holding sunflowers for academic success.

Authorities have implemented measures to ensure order and stability around exam sites, with traffic police in Beijing and taxi dispatch centers in Shanghai assisting students. Social media platforms were flooded with good-luck messages and encouragement, with “gaokao” trending as a top search topic on Weibo.

Even international celebrities like David Beckham took to social media to wish exam takers good luck, with the soccer legend adopting a Chinese phrase to convey his well wishes. As students navigate the intense pressure of the “gaokao,” the support and encouragement from both local and global communities serve as a reminder of the significance of this pivotal moment in their academic journey.