China Reduces Exam Numbers to Ease Academic Pressure
Ministry of Education of China has introduced comprehensive reforms to examination practices in order to reduce academic pressure on primary and lower secondary school pupils. According to new guidelines issued by the Ministry, the number of routine exams in compulsory education has been significantly limited, with the aim of curbing excessive testing. Under the new rules, written examinations have been completely abolished for Years 1 and 2 of primary school. In other primary grades, only one end-of-term exam per term is permitted, while lower secondary schools may hold one final exam and no more than one mid-term exam. Exam numbers in upper secondary schools are also set to be strictly limited.
The new regulations address not only the number of exams, but also their quality. Examination questions are required to align with curriculum standards and to avoid unnecessarily difficult or overly complex content. Schools are prohibited from purchasing ready-made exams, while those lacking the capacity to prepare their own assessments will be required to use exam papers provided by education authorities.
Education departments will offer training to teachers on exam design and will also consider the use of artificial intelligence in assessment processes. In cases where violations are identified, those who prepare and review the exams, along with the schools concerned, will share joint responsibility. The Ministry of Education of China states that the reforms aim to move away from an exam-centred education model and to establish a system that prioritises pupils’ creativity, critical thinking skills, and healthy development.