The Ministry of Education (MOE) in China has introduced significant updates to the 2026 Kaoyan (National Postgraduate Entrance Examination) retest procedures, emphasizing a balanced evaluation of candidates' abilities. These changes aim to ensure fairness by mandating that the initial test (初试), which assesses foundational knowledge through a nationwide standardized exam, carries a weight of at least 50% in the overall comprehensive score. This move addresses previous concerns where retest performance could overly influence admissions, potentially sidelining strong preliminary performers.
Kaoyan, short for the National Master's Graduate Admissions Test, consists of two stages: the initial test held in December and the retest organized by individual universities in March. The retest now explicitly requires an interview as a mandatory component, alongside possible written tests and practical assessments. Interviews will probe candidates' research potential, practical skills, communication abilities, and logical thinking—qualities deemed essential for postgraduate success in China's evolving academic landscape.
Understanding the 50% Initial Test Weight Mandate
The core of the new regulations is the stipulation that the initial test score must constitute no less than 50% of the final admission score. Previously, universities had flexibility in weighting, sometimes favoring retest results up to 60-70%. This shift promotes equity, as the initial test is uniform across the nation, minimizing regional biases. For context, the initial test covers subjects like political theory, foreign language, and two specialized business courses, totaling 500 points.
Universities must publish their exact weighting schemes in advance, typically 50:50 or 60:40 favoring initial test. This protects candidates who excel in standardized testing but may face disadvantages in subjective interviews. Statistics from prior years show that about 20-30% of candidates who meet national lines miss retest cutoffs at top schools, making this rule a game-changer for borderline applicants.
Retest Interview: Spotlight on Research Potential and Practical Ability
Interviews, now indispensable, last 15-30 minutes per candidate and are conducted by panels of at least five experts. Evaluators assess not just knowledge recall but innovation potential through questions like "Propose a research hypothesis for [field-specific issue]" or "How would you apply theory to a real-world problem?" Practical demos, especially in STEM and medicine, test hands-on skills—e.g., lab simulations or case analyses.
For medical programs, skill operations now weigh heavily, sometimes 40% of retest score. This aligns with China's push for applied research amid national priorities like tech self-reliance and healthcare reform.
National Baseline Scores Set the Stage
On February 28, 2026, MOE released national retest baselines, divided into A (21 provinces including Beijing) and B zones (others). Academic degrees: Philosophy 328/46/51/72/51 total 335; Engineering 273/38/54/77/77 total 310. Professional degrees vary, e.g., Clinical Medicine 289/40/57/200/257 total 354. Universities set higher thresholds, with retests peaking mid-late March.
Tsinghua University Unveils Rigorous Retest Lines
Tsinghua, China's premier engineering hub, published lines on March 13 via its graduate admissions portal. Academic engineering demands 330 total (political 50, English 50, bus1 80, bus2 70); sciences 345; medicine a steep 380.View full Tsinghua lines here.
| Discipline | Total | Political/Eng/Bus1/Bus2 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (08) | 330 | 50/50/80/70 |
| Sciences (07) | 345 | 50/55/90/95 |
| Medicine (10) | 380 | 50/50/200/? |
Special plans like Qiangjun lower to 280. Departments may raise further based on applicant pool.
Peking University Follows with Detailed Thresholds
Peking University (PKU) announced on the same day, upholding "quality over quantity." Academic economics hits 375 (55/55/90/90); engineering 300; medicine professional 310+.PKU admissions details.
| Academic Category | Total | Single Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Economics [02] | 375 | 55/55/90/90 |
| Engineering [08] | 300 | 55/55/90/90 |
| Literature [05] | 355 | 55/55/90/90 |
Compared to 2025, political/English lines rose to 55, signaling stricter basics.
Wave of Announcements from Other Elite Institutions
Following suit, Renmin University, Fudan, and Zhejiang University released lines exceeding nationals by 20-50 points in competitive fields. Trends show clinical medicine and AI-related majors surging, reflecting demand for practical expertise.
- Public management often A-zone aligned.
- Minority plans get 10-point reliefs.
- Tune剂 (transfer) opens March 27, 12+ hours per cycle.
Strategic Preparation for Research-Focused Interviews
Candidates should curate a portfolio: publish papers, internships, projects. Practice articulating research ideas—e.g., for engineering, discuss sustainable tech prototypes. Mock interviews via alumni networks help. Step-by-step: Review undergrad thesis (1), brainstorm 3-5 field innovations (2), simulate panels (3), refine English presentation (4).
Broader Impacts on China's Higher Education Landscape
These rules bolster quality amid 12.7 million 2026 grads, reducing rote learning emphasis. Universities gain tools to select innovator-types for national goals like "Double First-Class" initiative. Stakeholder views: Students welcome fairness; profs note deeper talent pools.
Expert Insights and Future Outlook
Admissions experts predict 10-15% retest rate hikes due to competition. Long-term, expect AI in evaluations, more interdisciplinary focus. Actionable: Check university sites daily, prepare backups for tune剂.
Navigating Admissions: Tips for Success
- Monitor MOE portal for updates.
- Balance initial/retest prep 60:40 time.
- Leverage campus resources for practice.
With structured prep, these changes open doors to elite programs.
