China’s National Postgraduate Entrance Examination (NPEE) began on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. 

This year, there are 2.9 million applicants, according to a survey, and the data has set a new historical record.

According to the "National Graduate Enrollment Survey Report for the Year 2019" released on December 20 by a website in this field, there has been a boom in the number of applicants this year. With a total of 2.9 million, the number has increased 21.8 percent compared with that of last year, and that also breaks the record in 40 years since reform and opening-up.

The exam has long been regarded crucial only next to the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE), especially when the increasingly higher requirement and tense competition in the job market pose pressure to the young.

Among the applicants, former graduates make up just under half. The number of former graduates who apply for the exam also increased in recent years.

The motivations of the applicants were also revealed in the report. Employment pressure and wish to develop a competitive edge are the major one accounting for 36 percent, learning comes in second at 21 percent and the third, with 17 percent, is the desire to achieve the diploma.

Last night, many netizens turned to Weibo to express their best wishes to the exam-takers. Some recalled their memories for taking the exam previously. One Weibo poster said: "One year ago, on that night, I was so excited and couldn't fall asleep. I wanted to study until the last minute…I really cherish the memory of preparing for the exam last winter. I wish all applicants this year could realize your dreams!"

"Dreams are on your road, and the future is yet to come," another said, "I wish all applicants could win this game and be successful! "

(Top Photo: Students wait in front of the exam building at Renmin University of China, Beijing, December 22, 2018. /VCG Photo)