13.42 Million Test Takers in China’s College Entrance Exam... Record High Ever

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According to the announcement made by the Chinese Ministry of Education on the 31st, the number of candidates taking this year's Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) is 13.42 million. This is an increase of 510,000 compared to last year’s record high of 12.91 million.

However, the growth rate has somewhat slowed down. Last year, the number increased by 980,000 compared to the previous year.

This year’s Gaokao will be held nationwide from July 7 to 8, with some regions extending the exam until the 9th or 10th. The Ministry of Education has pledged to ensure thorough exam management so that candidates can take the test safely and fairly. It also stated that, together with related departments such as the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, it will strictly crack down on cheating using communication devices. Additionally, convenience services will be enhanced for over 10,000 disabled candidates, including visually impaired individuals, and for those who need to travel long distances.

Chinese media reported that on the same day, education authorities began transporting the Gaokao exam papers, which are used nationwide, from Beijing to various regions across the country. The "exam paper escort" was entrusted to China Post, which is equivalent to a postal service. The entire transportation process was escorted by Chinese public security and armed police, and even the BeiDou satellite navigation system was deployed.

Many Chinese media outlets analyzed that "despite the worsening employment difficulties for highly educated individuals, the number of candidates wishing to enter university continues to increase."

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