China's Gaokao Faces a New Era of Artificial Intelligence

China's national college entrance examination, known as the Gaokao, remains the primary gateway to higher education for millions of students each year. In 2026, approximately 12.9 million candidates sat for the exam, underscoring its enduring role in determining university placements across the country's vast network of institutions. As artificial intelligence tools proliferate, their integration into preparation, exam security, and admissions processes has introduced both efficiencies and significant caveats that university administrators, faculty, and prospective students must navigate carefully.

The Ministry of Education has coordinated multi-agency efforts, including the “2026 Gaokao Escort Action,” to maintain fairness amid technological change. This initiative emphasizes anti-cheating measures, online monitoring enhancements, and support services while addressing how generative AI influences learning and decision-making. Universities, in turn, are adapting admissions strategies and curriculum offerings to align with these shifts, including the addition of new AI-related majors and micro-programs focused on emerging fields like embodied intelligence.

AI Tools Reshape Student Preparation Strategies

Students increasingly rely on generative AI platforms for personalized revision, essay drafting, and error analysis during Gaokao preparation. High school seniors upload incorrect answers to AI systems to identify knowledge gaps, generate similar practice questions, and receive step-by-step explanations. This approach can accelerate learning for disciplined users who first attempt problems independently before seeking AI assistance.

However, educators caution against overdependence. Teachers note that students who copy AI-generated solutions may complete assignments more quickly but risk accumulating undetected knowledge deficiencies, particularly with complex or adapted questions where AI occasionally provides inaccurate steps. The Ministry of Education has warned against misleading claims of “AI-predicted exam questions,” highlighting risks of false advertising that prey on parental anxieties.

Regional examples illustrate varied adoption. In provinces such as Jiangxi and Hubei, AI supports targeted tutoring, yet authorities stress that these tools supplement rather than replace rigorous independent study. University admissions officers observe that applicants with balanced preparation—combining AI aids with traditional methods—often demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills valued in higher education settings.

Enhanced Security Measures Incorporate Intelligent Surveillance

Exam security has evolved with widespread deployment of AI-powered monitoring systems in test rooms. Real-time intelligent surveillance automatically flags irregular behaviors such as whispering, excessive glancing, or inattentive proctoring. Provinces including Liaoning, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Guangdong have implemented these technologies alongside traditional measures like radio signal blocking, smart entry gates, and manual inspections.

The systems ease the workload on human proctors while strengthening integrity across the examination chain—from paper handling to candidate verification. The Ministry of Education has directed local authorities to upgrade full-chain safeguards, incorporating AI for behavior analysis and early alerts. These enhancements align with broader goals of preserving equity in a system that feeds directly into university admissions decisions.

Despite these advances, challenges persist. Officials remind candidates that even powered-off electronic devices constitute violations, and coordinated efforts with public security and cyberspace administrations target high-tech cheating schemes.

AI Companies Implement Temporary Safeguards During Exam Periods

Major Chinese AI platforms have taken proactive steps to prevent misuse during the Gaokao window. Companies including ByteDance (Doubao), Alibaba (Qwen), Tencent (Yuanbao), DeepSeek, and Moonshot (Kimi) temporarily disabled features such as photo recognition, image-based question solving, and real-time answering capabilities. These restrictions typically activate around exam dates to block attempts at instant assistance.

Platform responses during the period often cite fairness considerations, directing users to comply with examination rules. This self-regulatory approach complements government directives and reflects the high stakes involved, as Gaokao performance largely determines access to top universities like Tsinghua University and Peking University.

Similar measures were observed in prior years, with enforcement extending to investigations of businesses promoting AI-generated “predicted question banks.” Such actions underscore the collaborative role of technology firms in upholding exam standards that underpin the higher education pipeline.

Caveats and Risks of Overreliance on AI in the Gaokao Ecosystem

While AI offers tangible benefits, experts and educators highlight substantial limitations. Inaccurate outputs on nuanced subjects can mislead students, and tools may fail to update in real time with evolving application rules or admission data. Overreliance risks diminishing independent judgment, a core competency emphasized in university curricula.

Post-exam university selection presents additional concerns. AI-powered recommendation tools on platforms like Baidu and Quark allow users to input scores and preferences for major and institution suggestions. Yet admissions directors caution that these systems provide only general references and cannot fully account for personal interests, family circumstances, or regional employment trends. Students are advised to cross-reference AI outputs with guidance from teachers and counselors.

The Ministry of Education's “AI + Education” action plan promotes safe, trustworthy, and controllable applications, urging balanced integration that prioritizes human oversight. University leaders note that applicants demonstrating thoughtful, non-AI-dependent preparation often stand out in holistic reviews where available.

Implications for University Admissions and Institutional Strategies

Gaokao results directly shape enrollment at China's higher education institutions, making AI-related developments highly relevant to university administrators. The rise of AI-assisted applications has prompted some universities to refine their counseling resources and verification processes to ensure equitable access.

Demographic shifts and AI's influence on education are contributing to evolving participation patterns, with institutions adapting by expanding programs in high-demand areas. New majors and micro-credentials in artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy technologies, and related fields help align graduate skills with national priorities.

Faculty and admissions teams increasingly consider how AI exposure during secondary education affects incoming students' readiness for rigorous academic environments. Professional development initiatives focus on integrating AI literacy while reinforcing foundational skills that technology cannot fully replicate.

Stakeholder Perspectives Across the Higher Education Sector

Students report mixed experiences with AI tools, appreciating efficiency gains during revision while expressing skepticism about reliability on advanced topics. Teachers emphasize guidance toward responsible use, encouraging self-attempts before AI consultation to build resilience.

University administrators highlight the need for robust support systems that complement technological aids, particularly for applicants from rural or underserved regions where access to professional counseling varies. Parents and families navigate a landscape of both opportunity and caution, weighing AI convenience against risks of misinformation.

Regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Education in coordination with other agencies, stress collective responsibility for maintaining exam integrity that ultimately supports the credibility of university degrees and placements.

Policy Framework and Future Directions in AI-Enabled Education

China's regulatory approach combines promotion of beneficial AI applications with strict controls on exam-period misuse. Guidelines emphasize controllability and trustworthiness, guiding institutions and platforms alike.

Looking ahead, universities are positioned to play a central role in shaping ethical AI use through curriculum design and research. Expanded offerings in AI ethics, data governance, and related disciplines prepare graduates for leadership in an AI-influenced economy.

Continued monitoring of participation trends and technological impacts will inform adjustments to admissions criteria and support services, ensuring the Gaokao system evolves while preserving its core function as a merit-based pathway to higher education.

Photo by Fabián Vega on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for University Stakeholders

Administrators should invest in AI literacy training for staff and students to maximize benefits while mitigating risks. Admissions offices can develop hybrid guidance models that leverage AI for initial screening but prioritize human expertise for final recommendations.

Faculty members are encouraged to design assessments that value original thinking alongside technological proficiency. Collaboration with secondary schools on preparation best practices can help smooth transitions into university-level work.

Prospective job seekers in higher education, including those targeting administrative or academic roles, benefit from understanding these dynamics to contribute effectively to institutional adaptation strategies.