The education authority of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has released the official plan for the 2026 National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) and university admissions within the region.
The plan confirms that the "3+1+2" examination model will continue. It standardizes various aspects of the process, from exam scheduling to admission arrangements, to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the high-stakes event.
Under this model, the national unified exam subjects are Chinese, Mathematics, and a Foreign Language. Candidates can choose one from English, Japanese, Russian, German, French, or Spanish. The foreign language test includes both listening and written sections.
For selective exams, candidates must choose one primary subject from Physics or History, and two secondary subjects from Political Science, Geography, Chemistry, or Biology. The maximum total score a candidate can achieve is 750 points.
Applicants for majors in fields like Physical Education and Arts will also need to take corresponding specialized tests as required.
Admission Process Details
For admissions, the "University-Major Group" model will be used to formulate enrollment plans. The admission process is divided into five main batches: Early Undergraduate Batch, Regular Undergraduate Batch, Other Preparatory Course Batch, Early Vocational College Batch, and Regular Vocational College Batch.
Admission score lines and the submission of candidate files will be determined separately for the two primary subject categories: Physics and History. The system will employ both single-choice and parallel-choice filing rules to ensure fairness and order in the admissions process.
The plan also mandates that local departments and institutions strengthen their work mechanisms and assume responsibility to ensure the smooth progression of all examination and admission-related tasks.
Examination Structure and Scoring
The "3+1+2" model comprises three national unified exam subjects and three selective exam subjects. Each national subject is worth a maximum of 150 points, while each selective subject is worth 100 points.
Scores for Chinese, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Physics, and History are directly added to the total score. Scores for Political Science, Geography, Chemistry, and Biology are converted into a graded scale before being included in the final tally.
Enrollment Planning and Batch Setup
Enrollment plans are organized by "University-Major Groups," categorized by academic level (undergraduate/vocational) and type (general, arts, sports).
For general and sports majors, as well as arts majors using standardized test scores, plans are split into Physics and History categories. Arts majors requiring university-specific exams are not divided by primary subject in their plans.
Universities can establish one or multiple major groups, each containing one or several related majors with identical subject requirements.
Candidates are categorized into General, Sports, or Arts streams, with the latter two also allowed to apply for general programs. The five admission batches are further divided into sub-batches, each containing multiple "University-Major Groups" for candidate applications.
Filing and Admission Rules
Minimum admission control scores are set separately for the Physics and History streams across different batches and program types.
For the single-choice filing rule, the principle is "priority to the choice, then follow the score." For the parallel-choice filing rule, the principle is "priority to the score, then follow the choice."
Ranking for general candidates is based on their filing benchmark score. For ties, a sequence of subject score comparisons is used to determine priority.
Arts and sports candidates are ranked based on a comprehensive score, which is a weighted calculation of their Gaokao total score and their standardized arts or sports test score. Specific tie-breaking rules are also in place for these categories.
After candidates' files are submitted to a university-major group, the respective institution conducts the final major allocation based on its published admission charter.
Implementation Safeguards
The plan calls for all relevant departments and universities to attach great importance to the work, strengthen mechanisms, proactively address issues, and ensure the safe and smooth implementation of the 2026 Gaokao.
Efforts to improve policy communication, optimize services for candidates, and strictly enforce admission discipline are emphasized to maintain a fair, orderly, and transparent admissions environment.
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