China’s Gaokao exam 2023 is a crucial standardized test taken by millions of students every year in China. The exam plays a significant role in determining students’ future academic and professional paths, making it one of the most important exams in the world.
Gaokao Exam Total Marks
The Gaokao exam is scored out of 750 points, divided into three sections:
- Chinese language,
- mathematics, and
- a chosen subject from either sciences or humanities.
Here are some important dates for the Gaokao exam:
Event | Date |
---|---|
Gaokao 2023 | Early June 2023 |
Gaokao results | Mid-July 2023 |
Retake registration | Late-July to August |
Retake exam | Late-August 2023 |
Note: These dates may vary by province and year. Students should check with their local education authorities for specific dates and details.
Is Gaokao the Hardest Exam in the World?
While the Gaokao exam is considered a rigorous and challenging exam, it is not necessarily the hardest in the world.
Exams like the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) and the United Kingdom’s Oxford and Cambridge entrance exams are also considered to be among the toughest exams globally.
Gaokao Exam 2023 Syllabus
The Gaokao exam 2023 syllabus covers topics from high school education in China, including language, math, and a choice of either science or humanities.
The test questions focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of knowledge rather than memorization.
What is the Highest Gaokao Ever?
In 2020, a student from Hubei Province in China received the highest Gaokao score in history, with a total of 752 out of 750.
The student received full marks in all three sections, making it an unprecedented achievement.
Gaokao Score Range
The Gaokao score range starts at 0 and goes up to 750. However, most universities and colleges require a minimum score of 500-600 for admission.
Gaokao Practice Test
Several Gaokao practice tests are available online, offering students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the exam’s format and types of questions.
Taking practice tests can help reduce stress and build confidence for the actual exam.
Five Things Not Many People Know About Gaokao Exam 2023
- The exam is taken over two days and lasts nine hours in total, with strict security measures in place to prevent cheating.
- Exam takers’ scores are compared to a national standard, and universities select students based on their scores, with the highest-scoring students having first choice of universities.
- Exam results are released in July, with admission to universities beginning in September.
- Many Chinese students take the test prep courses and study for months or even years leading up to the exam.
- Due to the significant role the exam scores play in students’ future academic and professional paths, cheating scandals have occurred in the past, resulting in harsh penalties and public outcry.
How to check Gaokao exam 2023 results
If you have taken the Gaokao exam 2023, you can check your results in the following ways:
- Check with your school: Your school will receive a copy of your exam results, and they will inform you of your score. You can also visit your school to collect a copy of your results.
- Check online: The Chinese Ministry of Education has an online platform called the National Education Examination Information Service Center, where you can check your exam results. To access your results, you will need your admission ticket number and your ID card number.
- Check via SMS: Some provinces in China provide the option to receive the exam results via SMS. If this option is available in your province, you can send an SMS to the designated number with your admission ticket number and your ID card number.
Gaokao exam results are typically released in July, and universities begin the admission process in September. If you have any issues accessing your results, you can contact your school or the National Education Examination Information Service Center for assistance.
Get help with Your Gaokao exams
Here are three places where students can get help and information about the Gaokao exam:
China Daily Gaokao
China Daily is a news website that provides comprehensive coverage of the Gaokao exam, including tips for preparation, exam format, and score requirements.
The website also features articles about previous years’ exams and the latest developments related to the Gaokao.
The URL for China Daily Gaokao is: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/gaokao/.
National Education Examination Information Service Center
National Education Examination Information Service Center is a Chinese government website that provides information about all national education examinations, including the Gaokao exam.
Its website provides information about the exam’s registration, test dates, and results, as well as FAQs about the exam.
The URL for the National Education Examination Information Service Center is: http://www.neea.edu.cn/.
Gaokao.com
Gaokao.com is a Chinese website that provides Gaokao exam resources, including practice tests, study materials, and information about universities and majors.
The website also has a forum where students can ask questions and share information about the exam.
The URL for Gaokao.com is: http://www.gaokao.com/.
Gaokao English Questions – Download papers
The English language section of the exam covers reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills.
The reading comprehension section includes passages on a range of topics, such as science, technology, history, and social issues. The passages are accompanied by questions that test students’ understanding of the main ideas, details, and implications of the texts.
The vocabulary section tests students’ knowledge of words and phrases commonly used in academic and professional contexts. The questions in this section include multiple-choice questions and fill-in-the-blank questions.
The grammar section tests students’ understanding of the rules of English grammar and usage. The questions in this section cover topics such as verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, pronoun use, and sentence structure.
The writing section requires students to write an essay in response to a given prompt. The essay prompt typically asks students to express their opinions or ideas on a topic and support their arguments with evidence and examples.
To prepare for the English language section of the Gaokao exam, students can use a variety of resources, including textbooks, study guides, and practice tests. Some recommended resources for Gaokao English questions are given above, visit the URLs to download the sample papers.
Conclusion (China’s High-Stakes School Exam)
The Gaokao exam is a crucial exam for Chinese students, and its importance extends beyond academics to affect students’ future career prospects.
The exam’s rigorous nature and high stakes make it a challenging experience for students, but proper preparation and hard work can lead to success.

Gaokao FAQs
What is the Gaokao exam?
The Gaokao is a national college entrance exam in China that determines which students will be admitted to universities. It is considered one of the most crucial exams in China and is taken by millions of high school students every year.
When is the Gaokao exam held?
The Gaokao exam is typically held in early June every year, with results announced in mid-July.
How long does the Gaokao exam last?
The Gaokao exam lasts for two days and is divided into two parts: the morning session and the afternoon session. Each session is approximately four hours long.
What subjects are covered in the Gaokao exam?
The Gaokao exam covers a range of subjects, including Chinese language, mathematics, English language, physics, chemistry, biology, and history.
What is the total marks for the Gaokao exam?
The total marks for the Gaokao exam vary by province and by year. In 2022, the maximum total marks for the exam were 750 points.
Is the Gaokao exam the hardest exam in the world?
The Gaokao exam is considered one of the most challenging exams in the world due to its intensity and the pressure that students face. However, it is not officially recognized as the hardest exam globally.
What is the highest Gaokao score ever recorded?
The highest Gaokao score ever recorded is believed to be 730 points out of 750.
What is the Gaokao score range for admission to top universities?
The Gaokao score range for admission to top universities in China can vary from year to year, but typically ranges from 650 to 700 points or higher.
Is there a practice test for the Gaokao exam?
Yes, there are many practice tests available for the Gaokao exam, and students are encouraged to take them to prepare for the exam.
Can students retake the Gaokao exam?