China’s national college entrance examination, known as the gaokao, commenced on Friday with a record-breaking 13.42 million registered candidates. This figure represents an increase of 510,000 examinees from last year, making it the largest gaokao in history, according to the Ministry of Education.
Local authorities across the country have strengthened support services to ensure a smooth examination process. Measures include assistance with transportation, accommodation, medical care, and noise control during the examination period, aiming to provide candidates with the best possible environment.
Inclusivity has been a significant focus this year. More than 11,000 students with disabilities have been provided with special assistance to facilitate their participation in the examination. Notably, 15 visually impaired candidates from 11 provincial-level regions, including east China’s Jiangsu Province and southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, have been supplied with Braille exam papers.
This marks the 11th consecutive year since 2014 that education authorities have provided Braille papers for visually impaired candidates in the gaokao. This initiative has enabled around 80 visually impaired students to gain admission to universities, including Shanghai Normal University and Beijing Jiaotong University.
The gaokao is a pivotal event in China’s educational landscape, serving as a critical gateway to higher education for millions of young people. The record number of candidates this year reflects the nation’s dedication to expanding educational opportunities and fostering talent development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
