Gaokao 2025: 133 Lakh Students Compete as a Nation Holds Its Breath
China came to a standstill as 133 lakh students competed in Gaokao 2025, the national college entrance exam that defines futures. This staggering number is over 10 times larger than India’s biggest exams like JEE or CBSE. With AI surveillance, free transport, and police drones, the nation pulled out all the stops to ensure a smooth, fair experience. Parents were on pins and needles outside centers, hoping years of effort would pay off. Gaokao isn’t just a test — it’s a make-or-break moment for millions chasing academic dreams.
The Day China Stopped for Gaokao
On a seemingly ordinary Saturday in June 2025, China came to a standstill. Streets were quieter, traffic rerouted, and public attention laser-focused on a single event: The Gaokao, China’s national college entrance exam.
But this wasn’t just any exam
Over 13.35 million students — that’s 133.5 lakh — sat for the Gaokao this year, making it one of the largest academic events on the planet. To put that into perspective, that’s more than ten times the number of candidates appearing for India’s JEE Mains or CBSE Class 12 boards.
What is Gaokao and Why Does It Matter So Much?
Gaokao, short for “全国普通高等学校招生考试,” (National College Entrance Examination) is not just a test — it’s a gateway to a better life. Since its reintroduction in 1977, the exam has been a symbol of opportunity, offering millions of rural and urban students alike a path to China’s top universities.
“One exam. One chance. One future.” That’s how students often describe the Gaokao.
The stakes? Life-altering.
Scoring high can land you in Tsinghua or Peking University — China’s equivalent of Harvard or Oxford. A poor score? It could shut the doors to many career paths before they even begin.
The Pressure is Real — And Overwhelming
Imagine studying 10 hours a day, every day, for years — with the weight of your family’s dreams resting on your shoulders.
That’s the reality for Gaokao aspirants. The competition is fierce. The pressure is relentless. And failure? Often considered a personal and familial loss.
Outside exam halls this year, parents waited nervously, holding out snacks, water bottles, and even flowers — their gestures masking the anxiety beneath.
One mother said, We didn’t sleep last night. We prayed, we prepared, and now we wait.
India vs China: A Surprising Exam Gap
India’s entrance exams are notoriously competitive, but they pale in comparison to China’s Gaokao. The numbers tell a staggering story of scale and ambition—take a look at how India’s toughest tests stack up against China’s most grueling academic marathon.
| Exam | Applicants (2025) |
|---|---|
| JEE Mains | 12.58 lakh |
| CBSE Class 12 | 16.92 lakh |
| Gaokao (China) | 133.5 lakh |
That’s 10x India’s biggest academic contests — and the infrastructure to manage this is mind-boggling.
AI, Drones, and Zero-Tolerance for Cheating
In a world where fairness in testing is paramount, China went high-tech for Gaokao 2025.
- AI-powered surveillance cameras inside exam halls detected unusual movements or potential cheating attempts.
- Drones and police tech units monitored activity from the skies.
- Electronic jammers cut off all signals around centers.
- Some exam halls even had facial recognition software to confirm the identity of test-takers.
The goal? Absolute integrity. Zero excuses.
Special Support: Free Travel and Traffic Bans
The government didn’t stop at surveillance. Authorities ensured that students reached exam centers on time, no matter what.
- Free transportation was provided in many cities.
- Traffic restrictions were imposed near exam halls.
- Emergency services were kept on high alert.
The country quite literally adjusted its routine to serve these young aspirants.
Vice Premier’s Surprise Visit and National Attention
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang visited a school in Taiyuan on exam day to oversee the arrangements. He stressed on fairness, safety, and emotional support, praising the students for their discipline and effort.
State media extensively covered his visit, reinforcing the government’s commitment to merit-based education.
Gaokao’s Legacy: A Ticket Out of Poverty
Since its revival, Gaokao has transformed the lives of millions, especially those from rural and underprivileged backgrounds.
By 2023, China’s gross enrolment rate in higher education had crossed 60%, with over 47 million students enrolled in colleges and universities.
But there’s a new challenge on the horizon: employment.
Each year, about 12 million fresh graduates enter the workforce, and with China’s economy slowing, job opportunities aren’t growing fast enough.
Gaokao still opens doors — but not all lead to easy paths.
Behind Every Number is a Dream
Yes, 133 lakh is a number — but behind every single one is a dreamer. A student who’s stayed up countless nights. A family that has sacrificed vacations, celebrations, and even meals. A teacher who has poured their heart into last-minute coaching.
Gaokao is more than a test — it’s a national event of hope, ambition, and resilience.
Why You Should Care (Even If You’re Not in China)
In an age where education shapes economies and societies, China’s Gaokao offers lessons to the world:
- How to manage massive-scale assessments fairly
- The role of AI and ethics in exam systems
- The psychological cost of academic pressure
- The potential and pitfalls of meritocracy
Final Thoughts: Is There a Better Way?
While the world watches in awe, some question whether such an intense, single-exam format is the right way to measure a student’s worth.
Is there a balance between rigor and well-being?
Between testing memory and nurturing creativity?
China’s Gaokao might not have the answer yet — but the world is watching, learning, and evolving.
Power Point for Readers
- Over 133 lakh students took the 2025 Gaokao, 10x more than any Indian exam.
- High-tech tools like AI cameras and drones ensured fairness and zero cheating.
- Parents, teachers, and cities rallied behind the students.
- Gaokao is both a national pride and a personal trial.
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