The Shockwave from Tokyo University's 2026 Science Math Secondary Exam

Just days ago, on February 25, 2026, aspiring students faced the secondary entrance exam (二次試験, niji shiken) for Tokyo University's prestigious science faculties—known as Rika I-gurai (理科一類), Rika II-gurai (理科二類), and Rika III-gurai (理科三類, the medical track). The math section, lasting 150 minutes for 120 points across six big questions, has ignited a firestorm of discussion. Labeled by many as the 'historically hardest' in recent memory, it left even strong performers reeling, with viral X (formerly Twitter) posts calling Question 6 (Q6) 'inhuman' or 'non-human' (人外, ningai).

This exam's difficulty isn't hyperbole. Prep school analysts and current Todai students agree: problems from Q3 to Q6 were uniformly 'difficult,' demanding exceptional insight, computation, and endurance. Predicted pass lines hover around 60 points—partial scores from multiple questions rather than full completions—shifting the battle to English and sciences.

Exam Context and Applicant Trends

Tokyo University, Japan's top-ranked institution (often called Todai), uses a two-stage process: the Common Test (共通テスト) for first-stage screening, followed by the secondary exam testing deeper application. For 2026前期 (first semester, zenkiki), applicant numbers dipped slightly to 8,329 total— the lowest since corporatization—with science tracks at Rika I: 2,736 applicants (2.5x), Rika II: 1,710 (3.2x), Rika III: 377 (3.9x). First-stage cutoffs were applied across all, reflecting stricter standards amid declining birthrates and shifting aspirations.

The math exam tested core areas: calculus, probability, geometry, complex planes, integers, vectors—standard for Todai but amplified in complexity. No 'easy wins'; even Q1 and Q2 required nuance.

Question-by-Question Difficulty Breakdown

Current Todai students at Carpe Diem rated relative difficulty (A easiest, D hardest): Q2 (A, probability mercy), Q1 (B, trig integrals), Q5 (C, complex locus), Q3/Q4/Q6 (D). Full solves rare; strategy: triage for partials.

• Q1: Taylor expansions, sin(cos x - x)—tedious diffs, advanced substitution. C-level (40min).
• Q2: Probability of non-collinear triangles—counting, sigma sums. Only 'straightforward' but calculatory.
• Q3: Locus tracking in plane/space—parameters, conditions. BC (30min).
• Q4: Triple tangents area via angles/similarity. BC (35min).
• Q5: Complex argmax/min, star-shaped regions. C (35min).
• Q6: Integer divisors (2800), proofs—olympiad-esque, 'mugee' (impossible). D (60min), viral 'inhuman'.

Flystone's scale: mostly C-D-E, standard time 225min vs 150 allotted.駿台 notes heavy computation, descriptive challenges.

Viral Reactions on X: 'Inhuman Q6' Takes Center Stage

X exploded with shock: 'Todai rikei math ya ba nai ka?' (Isn't it insane?), most scoring 20-30pts, 2 fulls 'top-tier.' Q6 memes as 'non-human,' predictions of 0-completions common. Trending: #東大数学2026, sympathy for victims, jokes on profs' intent. Some speculate difficulty aids female enrollment (math favors males historically), though unconfirmed.

Students: '2完 for Rika I/II safe, 3 for III'—50-60pts viable with other strengths. Broader lament: post-2018 heaviness peaked here.

Photo by Szymon Shields on Unsplash

Prep School and Expert Analyses

駿台/Z会/Carpe/Flystone concur: hardest since 2000s, surpassing 2025. National trend—Kyoto/Osaka math tough too. Z会 emphasizes logic over rote; next year: balance fields, past 20yrs演習. HoKSoM solutions highlight integers Q6 as 'nan!' (difficult!).

Pass line: ~60pts partial-heavy. Rika III needs 80+ ideally, but variability aids balance.

Historical Context: From Easier Years to This Peak

Past decade: math trended easier (high scores common), but 2022/2025 signaled shift. 2026 extremes Q6 like olympiad, reviving 'Todai essence'—deep math engagement. Data shows Q6 often hardest; here, entire back half punishing.

Implications: filters true talent amid AI/calc aids, stresses resilience. Japan's declining apps (birthrate drop) prompts quality over quantity.

Admissions Impact and Broader Higher Ed Trends

Lower math scores likely boost English/physics/chem weights. Applicants down, but competition fierce—Rika III 3.9x. Trend: top unis math hardening for rigor; Common Test 2026 already tough math. Todai pushes diversity (female ratios low in science), possibly via balanced scoring.

For unis: highlights need adaptive prep, mental health support. Check higher ed career advice for post-exam paths.

Strategic Preparation Advice for Future Aspirants

• Master 4 cores: prob, integers, calc/space, complex—20yrs pasts.
• Triage: ID Q2-like mercies first, partials gold.
• Build stamina: 225min sims timed 150.
• Resources: official pasts Todai exam archive,駿台/Z会.
• Balanced subjects; math not sole weapon.

Explore Japan university jobs or university jobs for inspo.

Photo by Juan Montano on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Evolving Entrance Challenges in Japan

As 2026 unfolds, expect adjusted minima post-scoring. Unis face enrollment pressures; rigor preserves prestige. Positive: fosters thinkers for AI/quantum era. Stay tuned via higher education news.

In conclusion, this exam reaffirms Todai's elite status. For jobs, visit higher-ed-jobs, rate profs at rate-my-professor, advice at higher-ed-career-advice.