Every year in early June, millions of young Chinese hold their breath. The Gaokao, China’s national university entrance exam, kicks off across the country.
Today, June 7, 2025, over 13.3 million candidates are taking part in what is widely regarded as the toughest exam in the world.
More than a simple test, the Gaokao is a rite of passage, a potential ticket to a better life—and an immense source of pressure for Chinese teenagers.
A Decisive Exam in a Rigid Meritocratic System
The Gaokao (高考), literally “Higher Education Entrance Exam,” is a nationwide competitive test that determines university admissions in China.
It takes place over two to three days, with mandatory exams in Chinese, mathematics, and English, plus additional subject tests depending on the student’s track (science or humanities).
Scores are out of 750 or 900 points depending on the province, and they not only determine whether a student can attend university but also the quality of the institution they can access.
A high score can unlock admission to elite institutions like Tsinghua University or Peking University—symbols of professional success and social prestige.
General Schedule of the Gaokao 2025
June 7
09:00 – 11:30: Chinese (语文)
15:00 – 17:00: Mathematics (数学)
June 8
09:00 – 11:30: Social Sciences (文科综合) or Natural Sciences (理科综合), depending on the chosen track
15:00 – 17:00: Foreign Language (外语), usually English
June 9
08:00 – 09:30: Physics or History
11:00 – 12:30: Politics or Biology
15:30 – 17:00: Chemistry or Geography
June 10
08:00 – 09:30: History or Physics (based on the chosen combination)
11:00 – 12:30: Biology or Politics
15:30 – 17:00: Geography or Chemistry
Note: The June 9 and 10 exams correspond to subject specializations chosen by students based on their academic orientation.
Why Is the Gaokao So Stressful?
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Fierce Competition: With more than 13 million candidates and only a few hundred thousand seats in elite universities, every point matters. A single mistake can alter the course of a life.
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Intense Family Pressure: For many families—especially in rural areas—the Gaokao represents the sole opportunity for upward social mobility. Some parents even quit their jobs to support their child’s preparation.
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Psychological Isolation: Candidates often spend over 12 hours a day studying, cut off from all social activity for months. Some boarding schools even ban mobile phone use in the final year.
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Nationwide Expectations: During exam days, cities across China ban honking, halt construction projects, and mobilize police to escort late students. The entire country adjusts its pace to the rhythm of the Gaokao.
What If You Fail?
Contrary to popular belief, failing the Gaokao is not the end of the road—but it significantly narrows one’s options:
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Students can retake the exam as many times as they wish, but doing so often requires a full additional year of costly study in private prep schools.
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Some choose to enroll in private or technical universities, which are often less prestigious and more expensive.
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Others take their chances abroad, provided they have the financial means and sufficient language skills.
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Many, unfortunately, abandon their university ambitions altogether and enter the job market without a degree, often in low-skilled and unstable employment.
Comparison with the Tunisian Baccalaureate
| Aspect | Gaokao (China) | Tunisian Baccalaureate |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | University access based on national ranking | End of secondary school + university access |
| Exam duration | 2 to 3 intensive days | Around 6 days + retake session |
| Core subjects | Chinese, maths, English, specializations | Arabic, French, maths, philosophy, specializations |
| Stress level | Extremely high, with nationwide implications | High, but more regulated |
| Acceptance rate | Highly selective | Less competitive, with more alternative pathways |
| Failure options | Unlimited retakes but costly | Retake session + vocational/private training |
Although the Tunisian Baccalaureate plays a pivotal role in the academic journey, it offers greater flexibility: a second-chance session, vocational training, private or international universities.
In China, failing the Gaokao can mean the end of any prospect of public higher education.
A Selection Machine, But Not Without Criticism
In a society where education is sacred, the Gaokao is seen as a cornerstone of Chinese meritocracy.
Yet it is increasingly criticized for its elitism, rigidity, and harmful psychological effects.
NGOs have sounded the alarm over rising anxiety, depression, and social isolation among young candidates.
China has slowly begun exploring alternative admissions criteria—but without fundamentally challenging the supremacy of the Gaokao.
Thus, while the Tunisian baccalaureate signals the end of an educational cycle, the Gaokao is a launching pad—or a dead end—that often determines a young person’s entire future.
Behind the staggering statistics lie personal destinies hinging on just a few hours of testing, within an educational pressure cooker few systems can rival.
In a world of increasingly diverse educational paths, the Chinese model remains an extreme example of selection through endurance and performance.
Something to ponder for those who say, “The baccalaureate is hard.”
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