Understanding the Surge in Makeup Exams for Japan's 2026 University Entrance Common Test

The 2026 University Entrance Common Test, known formally as the Daigaku Nyūgaku Kyōtsū Tesuto, marked a significant milestone in Japan's higher education admissions cycle. Held on January 17 and 18, this nationwide standardized exam serves as the primary gateway for approximately 500,000 high school students aiming to enter public and private universities across the country. With a confirmed applicant count of 496,237, the main test proceeded smoothly, but the subsequent makeup exams on January 24 and 25 revealed underlying challenges, particularly health-related ones. A total of 969 students were permitted to take these supplementary tests, highlighting vulnerabilities in student well-being during peak exam season.

This event underscores the pressures faced by aspiring university students in Japan, where the Common Test evaluates foundational academic abilities in subjects like Japanese, mathematics, sciences, social studies, English, and information studies. The makeup provision, administered by the National Center for University Entrance Examinations (大学入試センター), ensures fairness by allowing eligible absentees—due to illness, injury, or unavoidable accidents—to compete on equal footing.

Breakdown of Reasons Behind the 969 Makeup Exam Permissions

Of the 969 permitted takers, a staggering 954 were attributed to diseases or injuries, making health issues the dominant factor. Influenza led with 304 cases, accounting for about 31% of permissions, followed by gastroenteritis at 167, colds at 155, other diseases at 287, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at 34, and injuries at a mere 6. Accidents contributed 15 cases, including 4 from transportation delays and 11 from family emergencies like critical illness or death.

This distribution reflects seasonal health patterns, with influenza's prominence signaling a robust winter epidemic. Notably, permissions for single-student cases at certain universities were not itemized, which may slightly adjust the totals.

The Influenza Epidemic Gripping Japan During Exam Season

Japan's 2025-2026 flu season hit hard early, with national surveillance reporting an average of 10.54 patients per fixed-point medical institution by early January, exceeding alert levels in many prefectures. The timing coincided perilously with the Common Test, amplifying risks for densely packed exam halls. Influenza, caused by influenza A and B viruses, spreads via respiratory droplets and surfaces, thriving in winter's dry, indoor environments typical of Japanese schools and test centers.

Experts note that high schoolers, under immense stress from exam prep—often involving late-night cramming and group study sessions—are particularly susceptible. Symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue can onset rapidly, derailing months of preparation. Vaccination rates, while improving, lag behind ideal coverage, contributing to outbreaks.

Subjects Most Impacted: English Listening Tops the List

Among permitted makeup takers, English listening saw the highest demand at 631, closely followed by English reading/writing at 630, mathematics 1 at 610, and mathematics 2 at 597. Japanese (594), sciences (583), information (577), and geography/history/civics (523) also featured prominently. Of 517 two-day makeup takers, 220 missed only day 1, and 232 only day 2.

• English listening's lead likely stems from its audio-dependent format, sensitive to illness-induced concentration lapses.
• Math and science reflect core subjects with high stakes for STEM-bound students.
• Re-tests, due to administrative errors, affected 47 students, mostly in English listening (44 on day 1).

These patterns mirror enrollment trends, with language and quantitative skills pivotal for competitive university programs.

Makeup Exam Venues and Logistical Execution

Exams occurred at six universities: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (150), Tokyo Metropolitan University (263), Kyoritsu Women's University (150), Komazawa University (1), Kyoto City University of Arts (350), and Kyoto University of Education (55). East Japan used Nogoya and Metropolitan sites; West Japan, the Kyoto quartet. Komazawa was added for time-extension cases.

Students received permission slips outlining venues and protocols, emphasizing uniform or casual attire suitable for verification. Weather concerns, like potential snow in Kyoto, were monitored, but no major disruptions reported.

Photo by Matt Ketchum on Unsplash

Comparing 2026 to Previous Years: A Moderating Trend

2026's 969 permissions mark a decline from COVID peaks: 3,893 in 2023 (1,833 COVID), 992 in 2025 (253 flu, 134 COVID), versus 1,721 in 2024 amid earthquake recoveries. Pre-pandemic norms hovered lower, but flu's rise signals shifting threats.

This moderation reflects better post-COVID protocols, yet underscores persistent health risks.

Impacts on Students' University Admission Prospects

Makeup takers face tight timelines, as individual university exams follow shortly. Scores integrate into comprehensive selections, but delays can disrupt strategies for top schools like University of Tokyo or Kyoto University. For international programs or higher ed jobs pathways, strong Common Test performance is crucial.

Psychological toll: isolation from peers, recovery pressure amid ongoing flu waves. Yet, the system's equity preserves opportunities, with final stats due February 5—no score adjustments this year.

Health Precautions and Prevention Strategies for Future Exam Takers

To mitigate risks:

• Vaccinate early against flu and COVID.
• Maintain hygiene: masks, handwashing, ventilation.
• Monitor symptoms; contact designated inquiry universities promptly for permissions.
• Balance prep with sleep, nutrition—avoid cram-induced immunity dips.

Universities increasingly offer telehealth advisories. Parents play key roles in early detection.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Universities, Experts, and Students

Admissions officers view makeup provisions as essential equity tools, per center guidelines. Experts advocate expanded remote options, though logistics challenge. Student forums buzz with relief stories: one Tokyo high schooler recovered just in time via antivirals.Rate My Professor discussions highlight supportive faculty post-exam.

X trends amplified ReseMom reports, sparking prevention talks.

Final Results, Next Steps, and Career Pathways

Results release February 5; students pivot to secondary exams. Success opens doors to Japan's prestigious universities. Explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, and Japan academic opportunities on AcademicJobs.com.

Photo by Dendy Darma Satyazi on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Evolving Challenges in Japanese Higher Education Admissions

With AI reforms and SNS bans on question-sharing debuting in 2026, the system adapts. Flu monitoring via big data could preempt surges. For resilient futures, integrate wellness into prep—positioning AcademicJobs.com as your guide to thriving in higher ed.