🚀 Beijing 2026 Gaokao Live Consultations Kick Off with AI Major Surge

On February 26, 2026, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission and Beijing Education Examination Authority launched the '2026 Beijing Gaokao Live Consultation Program' through the 'Education Face to Face' show on Beijing City Radio. This marks the continuation of a longstanding initiative designed to guide high school students and parents through the intense Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) process. Starting March 2, universities from Beijing and beyond will relay live streams daily from 5:45 PM, sharing the latest admission policies, major directions, and career prospects until mid-July.

The Gaokao, China's pivotal annual standardized test held in June, determines university placements for millions. In Beijing, under the '3+1+2' reform implemented since 2021, students select one core subject (like physics or history) plus two electives alongside mandatory Chinese, math, and English. This year's consultations highlight a national push toward emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), as universities adapt to China's strategic goals for tech self-reliance and innovation.

Program Schedule and Accessibility for Aspiring Students

Live broadcasts air every weekday evening on multiple platforms: FM107.3 Beijing City Radio, Tingting FM app, Beijing Time client, Weibo, Kuaishou, and Douyin (Video Number). This multi-channel approach ensures broad reach amid Beijing's competitive education landscape, where over 60,000 students typically sit the Gaokao annually.

A key milestone comes in mid-April, when the program compiles recruitment details from over 100 universities targeting Beijing students into a free handbook distributed via district education commissions to more than 20,000 candidates and families. This resource democratizes access to info otherwise scattered across websites and brochures.

Historically, such programs—now in their 24th year—have influenced thousands by offering direct Q&A with admissions officers, reducing misinformation and aiding informed choices. For international viewers or diaspora families, streams via apps provide real-time insights into China's higher ed evolution.

Spotlight on Pioneering Universities' 2026 Policies

The launch featured five universities unveiling updates, emphasizing expansion in strategic fields:

• Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU): Modest enrollment growth, prioritizing national needs. New additions include Integrated Circuit Design and Integrated Systems major, dual-degree programs like 'Security Technology + Security Management,' and an AI micro-major—a flexible add-on for students in related fields. BJTU also refines 'zero-adjustment' (no forced major switches) and 'guarantee-major' policies nationwide, alongside excellence classes in computer science and systems science.
• Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT): Boosting Beijing slots with ongoing local preferences. Debuts Embodied Intelligence major—one of nine inaugural nationwide—fusing math, CS, AI, automation, and robotics for intelligent agents in physical environments.
• China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL): Introduces first Sino-foreign cooperative programs (e.g., English with University of Ottawa via Hainan campus), experimental classes, joint training (law + engineering with partners), and strategy-aligned majors for global legal talent.
• Beijing Sci-Tech Vocational University: As Beijing's flagship public vocational undergrad, sharply expands plans per the 15th Five-Year Plan. Targets AI, new energy, and next-gen IT with industry 'order classes'—custom curricula with employers—and eases entry by accepting physics electives alone.
• Tianjin University: Restructures for flexible majors and barrier-free transfers. Future Technology College adds five engineering tracks and Gaokao-direct innovation classes.

These shifts reflect Beijing's role as an AI innovation hub, with 36 AI undergrad majors across 48 institutions, plus micro- and minor programs.

Deep Dive: What Makes Embodied Intelligence a Game-Changer?

Embodied Intelligence, or '具身智能,' integrates AI with physical embodiment, enabling robots and agents to perceive, decide, and act in real-world settings—beyond screen-based models. Approved last November for pioneers like BUPT, Beihang University, BIT, NEU, SJTU, ZJU, and XJTU, it addresses talent gaps in robotics and autonomous systems vital for manufacturing and services.

Curricula blend core disciplines: students learn machine learning algorithms, sensor fusion, control theory, and ethical AI deployment. Graduates target high-demand roles in humanoid robotics, smart cities, and defense, with starting salaries often exceeding RMB 200,000 annually in Beijing's tech ecosystem. For Gaokao aspirants, selecting physics + chemistry electives positions them well, as these majors favor strong STEM scores.

AI micro-majors at BJTU offer similar entry without full commitment, ideal for broadening skills amid China's 6,000+ AI firms and RMB 1.2 trillion core industry by 2026.

China's National AI Education Momentum and Beijing's Lead

Beijing boasts 11 AI first-level disciplines, driving the capital's status as China's AI high ground. Nationwide, over 500 universities offer AI majors, enrolling ~40,000 students yearly, spurred by policies like the 2025 Education Action Plan for AI literacy across all grades.

Vocational shifts at Beijing Sci-Tech align with industrial upgrades, producing 'new quality productive forces' via order classes—direct pipelines to employers like Huawei or Baidu. Integrated circuits, another focus, tackle chip sovereignty amid global tensions.

Stats underscore urgency: China's AI patent lead and 6000+ enterprises demand 1M+ talents by 2030, yet supply lags. These majors bridge that, with Beijing unis like Tsinghua and PKU leading rankings.Beijing Gov AI Hub

Stakeholder Perspectives: Students, Parents, and Educators Weigh In

Parents praise the lives for transparency, avoiding agent scams common in Gaokao prep. Students eye AI for job security—employment rates near 100% for top programs. Educators note interdisciplinary demands: success requires not just scores but projects and interviews.

• Benefits: Real-time policy clarifications, career outlooks.
• Challenges: Intense competition (e.g., BUPT AI reported 50:1 ratios historically).
• Solutions: Mock Gaokao practice, extracurricular coding via scholarships.

Navigating Gaokao Reforms and Strategic Choices

Beijing's '3+1+2' allows customization—physics for AI/engineering tracks. Strong base scores (600+) plus electives unlock top tiers. Reforms emphasize holistic review: interviews, portfolios for innovative classes.

Timeline: March-July lives → April handbook → June Gaokao → July results → August fill volunteers. Pro tip: Track China higher ed updates for shifts.

Career Impacts and Future Outlook for AI Graduates

AI majors promise booming prospects: Beijing's AI core hits RMB 1.2T growth 30% YoY. Roles span algorithm engineers (RMB 30k+/mo entry), ethicists, to entrepreneurs. Case: BUPT alumni at SenseTime lead humanoid projects.

Outlook: More unis join relay; expect quantum, biotech adds. By 2030, Beijing aims full AI coverage in higher ed.

Explore higher ed jobs in AI or university positions for inspiration.

Actionable Advice: Maximize the Live Consultations

1. Tune in daily; prepare questions on cutoffs, scholarships.
2. Review past data: BJTU locals avg 620+ for tech.
3. Build profile: Online courses, competitions for interviews.
4. Link to careers: Visit higher ed career advice.

This program empowers choices in China's merit-based system, positioning Beijing as AI vanguard.

Photo by Bangyu Wang on Unsplash

Conclusion: Seize Opportunities in Beijing's AI Higher Ed Boom

As lives unfold, stay engaged for evolving policies. For jobs post-grad, check rate my professor, higher-ed-jobs, career advice, university jobs. Beijing 2026 heralds tech-driven futures—your move.