BEIJING, June 7 -- The 2025 gaokao, China’s highly competitive national college entrance examination, commenced on Saturday, with authorities implementing a series of advanced measures to ensure the safety and fairness of the test for approximately 13.35 million candidates nationwide.

In Shenyang, a volunteer assisted Wang Zhenyu, a wheelchair-bound student, by coordinating with police to facilitate his safe arrival at the testing venue, highlighting community efforts to support candidates during this critical time.

To uphold the integrity of the exam, many regions have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) technology into their oversight strategies.

In Benxi City, Liaoning Province, for instance, exam rooms are equipped with real-time intelligent surveillance that autonomously identifies irregular behaviors such as whispers or distracted examiners.

Similar AI monitoring technologies have been deployed in provinces including Jiangxi, Hubei, and Guangdong, aimed at enhancing behavioral analysis and providing early alerts about potential misconduct without human intervention.

The Ministry of Education emphasized these technological innovations in its announcement of upgraded security measures for the 2025 gaokao on May 28. Stricter entry protocols are in place, featuring enhanced checks for prohibited devices such as mobile phones and smartwatches.

Radio signal blocking is implemented across all exam locations to prevent electronic cheating.

In Liaoning, new intelligent security gates have been introduced, designed to detect concealed electronic devices, with staff using handheld detectors for follow-up checks if any alarms are triggered.

Liu Yang, principal of Benxi Senior High School, noted the increasing sophistication of cheating technologies, leading to stricter screening processes this year.

Additionally, students are reminded of the regulations concerning prohibited devices, and lockers are available for secure storage.

Biometric identification methods have also become commonplace, with candidates undergoing facial recognition, fingerprint, or iris scans upon entry to verify their identities multiple times before, during, and after the exam.

Meanwhile, national radio authorities monitor test centers to suppress unauthorized communication signals, further reinforcing the integrity of the testing process.

Communities across China are fostering a supportive environment for students taking the gaokao.

Measures include halting cultural performances and adjusting operational hours for government and business entities to reduce disturbances during the examination period.

In Anhui Province, for example, the Anhui Huangmei Opera Theatre canceled all performances to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, with similar actions taken by cultural organizations in Jiangsu, Fujian, and Henan.

Traffic management initiatives are also underway to ensure examinees can arrive punctually.

Cities have tailored policies such as delaying office start times, promoting carpooling, and setting up priority lanes for students.

In Benxi, taxi services have offered rides without charge to candidates displaying their exam admission passes.

To mitigate the impact of adverse weather, the Beijing 101 Middle School has made provisions for rain and sun shelters and provided access to over 200 umbrellas and medical support.

Additionally, facilities are equipped with air conditioning and purified drinking water to enhance comfort during the exams.

Special accommodations have been put in place for students with disabilities, including exam papers offered in Braille and large print, as well as designated testing rooms.

The Communist Youth League of Anhui has also initiated a mental health support campaign, providing counseling services geared towards alleviating exam-related stress.

The comprehensive measures taken nationwide reflect the deep importance and logistical complexity of the gaokao.

Since its reinstatement in 1977, the gaokao has served as a crucial mechanism for fostering educational equity and social mobility in China.

The meritocratic structure of the exam enables students of diverse backgrounds to compete for university admissions on equal terms.

For many candidates, the gaokao is a pivotal opportunity that can dramatically alter their life trajectories, underpinning the societal belief in the potential for hard work and determination to change one’s destiny.