Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) — As China’s annual national college entrance examination, also known as the “gaokao,” kicked off on Saturday morning, a volunteer in Shenyang helped wheelchair-bound examinee Wang Zhenyu safely into the exam room by coordinating with police to open a “green corridor” – a small gesture that reflects nationwide efforts to support examinees.
While students are trying their best, authorities are working hard to ensure the exam is safe and fair for the 13.35 million examinees across the country. In many places, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is being deployed for this purpose.
In Benxi City, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, every gaokao exam hall is monitored by a real-time intelligent surveillance system that automatically detects behavioral irregularities – from whispering and frequent glances between students to inattentiveness of proctors – to strengthen discipline and fairness during exams.
AI-powered monitoring systems have also been implemented in other provinces, including Jiangxi, Hubei and Guangdong, enabling real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis and early warning. By accurately identifying behavioral violations without human intervention, the advanced technology eases the burden on examination staff and enhances the fairness and integrity of the examination itself.
These advanced measures play an important role in supporting this year’s gaokao. Authorities and communities across the country have implemented a wide range of initiatives to ensure the safe and fair administration of the exam, addressing concerns related to technological risks and environmental conditions, as well as the physical and mental well-being of students.
TECHNOLOGIES THAT ENSURE FAIRNESS
On May 28, China’s Ministry of Education announced that it would strengthen security measures for this year’s exams, with a particular focus on technological safeguards. The upgrades include stricter entry controls, increased screening of devices such as phones and smartwatches, radio signal blocking at all exam sites, and greater use of intelligent surveillance and screening systems to strengthen the exam’s security network.
Upgraded security gates at entrances have become a key component in ensuring fair examination conditions in Liaoning Province. At each examination site, students must pass through two intelligent security gates that can detect small metal objects, including mobile phones, smart watches, smart glasses, hidden earphones and other high-tech cheating devices. If the alarms are triggered, teachers conduct a check with hand-held metal detectors.
“Cheating technology is evolving every year, so this year the screening procedure at school entrance is stricter than ever,” said Liu Yang, principal of Benxi City High School. “At the school gate, students are reminded not to bring in prohibited devices, and lockers are provided for safe storage. On exam days, dedicated staff also inspect key areas such as walls, toilets and trash cans to prevent any form of information transfer from outside.”
Biometric verification has also become a standard part of exam security. At the entrance, examinees undergo facial recognition, fingerprint or iris scanning to prevent people from impersonating exam candidates. Identity checks are carried out several times before, during and after exams, and each time takes only a few seconds.
In parallel, national radio services actively monitor exam centres and surrounding areas for suspicious signals. By identifying and blocking unauthorised wireless communications, they help prevent fraud using electronic devices.
SOCIAL SUPPORT
In addition to technical precautions, many regions have taken additional steps to create a calm and favourable environment for exams. These include postponing performances, temporarily closing libraries, cultural centres, museums and sports facilities, and changing the working hours of government agencies and businesses.
In east China’s Anhui Province, the Anhui Huangmei Opera House suspended all performances from June 5 to 9 to minimize noise near exam venues. Similarly, cultural institutions in Jiangsu, Fujian and Henan provinces have postponed street performances, traditional lion dances and puppet shows to ensure a quiet atmosphere for students.
To ease traffic congestion and ensure timely arrival at exam sites, many cities have taken special measures such as postponing office opening times and encouraging carpooling or public transportation. Traffic police have designated priority lanes and are ready to escort examinees caught in traffic jams, ensuring that everyone gets to the exam site on time. In Benxi City, students can even order taxis with “gaokao free ride” stickers by phone or hail them on the street and show their pass to take the exam.
To protect students from adverse weather conditions, Beijing 101 Middle School set up rain and sun shelters, provided them with more than 200 umbrellas, and provided first aid by medical personnel on site. In the exam rooms, silent fans and purified drinking water created a comfortable environment.
Beijing has also introduced customized support measures for students with special needs, including providing exam papers in Braille and large print, as well as separate testing rooms, so that every examinee can take the exam with dignity and confidence.
The Anhui Communist Youth League has launched a nationwide campaign to support students’ mental health, sending counselors to schools to give talks on stress relief and offering online counseling to reduce test anxiety.
This nationwide effort reflects not only the scale of the gaokao’s facilities, but also the deep social significance attached to it. Behind every quiet exam room or smooth ride to the testing center is a collective commitment to ensuring fairness, opportunity, and hope for the future.
Since its re-establishment in 1977, the gaokao has become one of the most powerful tools for promoting educational equality and social mobility in China. Based on merit-based selection principles, the exam allows students from all backgrounds to participate in a fair “competition.” This standardized system provides transparency and accountability in university admissions for a population of more than 1.4 billion people.
For many, the gaokao is a turning point in life, the only chance to change their future through determination and hard work. It has become a symbol of fairness, opportunity, and the belief that personal effort can change a person’s destiny. -0-