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A total of 1.33 crore students took the Gaokao, China's national college admission exam, on Saturday. Parents gathered outside exam centres while local authorities implemented measures such as adjusted traffic signals and transport services.

Known as one of the most demanding academic exams globally, Gaokao plays a central role in determining university admissions. It affects a lot of students' future academic and professional pathways.

The number of test-takers declined slightly from last year’s 1.34 crore. In contrast, between 12 and 15 lakh people apply for India's admission tests, such as JEE Main and NEET.

How China supports gaokao aspirants

Across the cities, regional authorities instituted various measures to facilitate the exam process. Traffic restrictions were enforced around exam centers, and many regions provided free public transport. In certain regions, work on construction was suspended to minimize noise.

To avoid cheating, centers employed monitoring devices such as facial recognition, drones, and artificial intelligence systems. These devices tracked abnormal behavior to ensure the integrity of examinations.
Gaokao is seen as a path to education and employment. State media called it an effort-influenced process in accordance with the belief that perseverance brings achievement.

In 2023, China's college enrollment rate passed 60%, with more than 4.7 crore students in universities. But the growing number of graduates, over 1.2 crore every year, finds its way into a job market with fewer vacancies, especially as the economy slows down.

As students sat for the test, many parents stood outside holding prayer beads or umbrellas, praying for a positive outcome. In China, exam season is not just a measurement of student accomplishment—it's a communal moment for students, families, and schools across the country.

(Inputs from PTI)