The 2026 college entrance exam is approaching. To better help candidates understand exam precautions, the Ministry of Education has compiled common questions and related suggestions for candidates and parents to reference.

1 How should candidates plan their trip to the exam?

Before the exam, candidates should carefully read and verify the exam time, test center information, and candidate instructions. In particular, remember the exam time, test center location, and room number. Also, considering the test center location, weather, and traffic conditions, arrange transportation and plan the travel route reasonably.

On the exam day, arrive at the test center early as required, allowing sufficient time for identity verification and security checks at the entrance. In case of emergency traffic situations, seek help from nearby traffic police.

2 What should candidates pay attention to regarding clothing?

Candidates’ clothing should comply with the relevant requirements of the local admissions exam authority. It is recommended not to wear accessories containing metal components, such as bracelets, necklaces, or hair clips. Also, adjust clothing according to local weather conditions.

3 What suggestions are there for candidates to maintain personal health protection?

Candidates should take personal protection and be responsible for their own health. Before the exam, minimize gatherings and movement, and avoid crowded places. At the same time, adjust your mental state, ensure a reasonable diet, adequate sleep, and appropriate physical exercise. If feeling unwell, seek medical treatment promptly to prevent illness from affecting the exam. For fever or sudden illness, candidates should not panic; all test centers have corresponding emergency plans, and candidates can seek help from staff in time.

4 What items should be checked before going to the exam?

Before going to the exam, remember to bring the admission ticket and valid identification documents required by the provincial admissions exam authority. Also, check if you have all the exam supplies specified by the provincial admissions exam authority. For candidates who print the admission ticket themselves, check that there are no extra writings on it. The front and back of the admission ticket must not be altered or written on during use.

5 What are the general requirements for entering the test center (school)?

When entering the test center, follow staff instructions, queue in an orderly manner, and maintain a certain distance. Do not bring prohibited items such as mobile phones, smart watches (bands), or smart glasses into the test center. It is best to store mobile phones and other non-exam items before departure, or hand them over to the team leader, parents, or store them according to test center regulations. Follow staff instructions during storage and retrieval, and maintain order.

6 What are the general requirements for entering the exam room (classroom)?

When entering the exam room, identity verification and prohibited item checks will be conducted again. Except for exam supplies specified by the provincial admissions exam authority, do not bring other items into the exam room. After entering, check your seat number and sit in the assigned seat. Place the admission ticket and valid identification documents on the desk for verification.

7 What penalties will result from violating exam room discipline?

Candidates must comply with exam room rules and discipline, and obey the management of exam staff. During the exam, in addition to invigilators and proctors maintaining exam discipline and patrolling, the exam room is fully covered by a video monitoring system with continuous recording. This not only allows real-time monitoring during the exam but also necessary playback after the exam. Once a candidate is found violating rules or cheating, they will be dealt with seriously according to the procedures and regulations of the Education Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Measures for Handling Violations in National Education Exams, and the violation will be recorded in the national education exam candidate integrity file. Exam cheating will render all college entrance exam subjects invalid, and depending on the severity, may result in a suspension from taking the college entrance exam for 1 to 3 years. For extremely severe cases, suspension from all national education exams for 1 to 3 years may be imposed. If suspected of a crime, the case will be transferred to judicial authorities for legal responsibility according to the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court and Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in Handling Criminal Cases such as Organizing Exam Cheating. Organizing cheating in the college entrance exam constitutes a crime of “severe circumstances” as defined by the Criminal Law.

It is especially important to note that if a candidate brings devices with sending or receiving information functions, such as mobile phones, smart watches (bands), or smart glasses, into the exam room, regardless of whether

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education is a government building typically responsible for overseeing a nation’s educational policies, standards, and institutions. Historically, such ministries emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as countries formalized public education systems, often evolving from earlier royal or religious educational oversight. Its architecture and location vary by country, but it commonly symbolizes the state’s commitment to literacy, learning, and national development.

Education Law of the People’s Republic of China

The “Education Law of the People’s Republic of China” is a foundational legal document enacted in 1995 to govern the country’s educational system, emphasizing equal access to education and the development of socialist-minded citizens. It has been amended several times, notably in 2015 and 2021, to adapt to modern educational needs, including provisions for compulsory education, teacher rights, and the integration of moral and legal education. This law reflects China’s commitment to prioritizing education as a key driver of national development and social progress.

Measures for Handling Violations in National Education Exams

“Measures for Handling Violations in National Education Exams” refers to China’s regulatory framework designed to ensure fairness and integrity in high-stakes national exams like the Gaokao. Established by the Ministry of Education, these rules outline penalties for cheating, impersonation, and other misconduct, including score cancellation and bans from future exams. The measures have evolved over decades to address new forms of fraud, reflecting China’s commitment to maintaining the credibility of its education system.

Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China

The Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China is the primary codified legal framework governing criminal offenses and punishments in China. First enacted in 1979 and substantially revised in 1997, it reflects the country’s evolving legal system under socialist rule, incorporating principles such as legality, equality, and proportionality. The law has been amended multiple times to address modern crimes, including those related to cybercrime, corruption, and national security.

Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court and Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in Handling Criminal Cases such as Organizing Exam Cheating

This document is a 2019 joint judicial interpretation by China’s highest court and prosecution body, clarifying legal standards for prosecuting exam cheating-related crimes under Chinese criminal law. It specifically addresses the organization of cheating on “national-level examinations,” defining key terms and establishing sentencing guidelines for offenses like organizing cheating, illegally selling exam questions, and replacing test-takers. The interpretation aims to strengthen legal deterrence and standardize the handling of such cases across China’s judicial system.