The MOE has released new guidelines for the 2025 college admissions process, emphasizing fairness, security, and reform to ensure a smooth and well-regulated examination and enrollment environment.

The guidelines require enhanced security measures for the 2025 gaokao (National College Entrance Exam), including advanced technology for exam administration, improved fraud detection, and stronger emergency response mechanisms. Higher education institutions (HEIs) and local education authorities are required to refine risk monitoring, strengthen information sharing, and bolster oversight to safeguard the integrity of the admissions process.

The guidelines are also part of the effort to refine college enrollment policies to align with national priorities. HEIs are encouraged to adjust admissions criteria based on regional and industrial needs, while ensuring expanded access for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. Programs such as the National Enrollment Collaboration Plan for Central and Western China and special quotas for students from rural and low-income households will continue. Additionally, children of migrant workers will be guaranteed equal access to entrance exams.

According to the guidelines, reforms to the gaokao itself will continue, with provinces newly implementing the revised exam system receiving additional support. The revised gaokao will focus more on critical thinking, academic competency, and students’ holistic development, while further refining mechanisms for selecting top talent.

To ensure fairness and transparency, HEIs are required to strengthen internal oversight and expand public access to admissions data. The MOE will also improve public communication on policies and strengthen supervision of admissions tutoring by private tutoring institutions to prevent misleading practices.